Photo: Alamy
Federal authorities have arrested a Virginia man in connection with the placement of two pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices on Jan. 5, 2021, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday.
Bondi identified the suspect as Brian Cole Jr. of Woodbridge, Virginia.
“He’s been charged with violating 18 U.S.C. 844, which is use of an explosive device,” Bondi said at an afternoon news conference. “This investigation is ongoing; as we speak, search warrants are being executed, and there could be more charges to come.”
Bondi said the case had been stalled for years until FBI Director Kash Patel ordered a full reexamination after President Donald Trump took office in January.
“We did not discover new information,” Patel added. “What we did, an investigation spearheaded by the deputy director and the Washington field office, was brought in investigators and experts, reexamined every piece of evidence, sifted through all the data — something that the prior administration refused and failed to do.
“As a result of that, we generated numerous investigative leads, executed multiple legal processes with our U.S. attorney partners, and came to this conclusion today, and that is why we’re able to safely secure this individual into custody.”
Cole was charged with “transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property. He is also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials.”
According to a court affidavit, prosecutors identified Cole by tracking purchases of bomb components made in 2019 and 2020. Law enforcement vehicles surrounded Cole’s cul-de-sac hours after his arrest, as FBI agents entered his home and inspected a nearby vehicle.
The pipe bombs were placed the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol protest. No one was injured, though the FBI has said both devices were capable of causing serious harm.
Investigators have spent years reviewing surveillance footage, digital records and tens of thousands of tips. They released a new video last January in an effort to identify the masked suspect seen carrying a backpack and moving through neighborhoods near the Capitol. Agents also analyzed cell tower data, subpoenaed tech companies for location information, and tracked credit card purchases of materials similar to those used in the bombs.
