WASHINGTON (AP) — Brian J. Cole Jr. has been charged with placing two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Following his arrest, Cole told investigators that he believed someone needed to "speak up" for those who thought the 2020 election was stolen. He expressed a desire to target political parties because he felt they were "in charge," according to prosecutors.
The Justice Department's memo, which details allegations against Cole, emphasizes that he should remain incarcerated while the case moves forward. This document outlines statements that Cole reportedly made to investigators, as well as evidence linking him to the bombs, including bomb-making materials found at his residence after his arrest. The improvised devices were discovered on January 6, 2021, the same day that supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to obstruct the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.
Initially, Cole denied any ties to the events surrounding January 6, but prosecutors allege that he eventually admitted to placing the explosives outside the RNC and DNC. He expressed disillusionment with the electoral process, revealing that he was frustrated with both major political parties and sympathetic to claims by Trump and his allies alleging electoral fraud.
During questioning, Cole reportedly stated that he felt it was necessary for "someone up top" to respond when people believe their democratic rights are being undermined. He described a moment of personal crisis, indicating that "something just snapped" in him after observing the deterioration of political discourse. He wanted to take action against the parties because they were the ones in power, stating, "I really don't like either party at this point."
Cole was arrested at his home in Woodbridge, Virginia, on December 4, 2025, marking what law enforcement officials touted as a significant breakthrough in a near five-year-long investigation. His attorneys are preparing to contest his detention prior to a hearing scheduled in Washington's federal court.
Once in custody, investigators searched Cole's vehicle and home, discovering bomb-making components stored in shopping bags. During initial interrogations, he denied constructing or placing the bombs, claiming instead that he had attended a protest linked to the 2020 election. However, prosecutors contend that over the course of prolonged questioning, he confessed to his actions. He admitted to concealing the explosives in a shoebox in his Nissan Sentra and placing them outside the party headquarters, setting timers for 60 minutes on each device.
Neither of the bombs exploded, a fact that Cole expressed relief over, emphasizing that he did not intend to cause harm since they were planted at night. Nonetheless, prosecutors argued that the lack of detonation was due to luck rather than any deficiency in Cole's planning, asserting that he poses a risk to the community and should remain detained during the trial process.
They asserted that the choice of targets endangered not only innocent bystanders and office workers but also law enforcement, emergency responders, and national political figures present in the vicinity of the headquarters, including the Vice President-elect and the Speaker of the House.
