WASHINGTON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday that they have arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, for his alleged role in planting two pipe-bomb devices outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Washington, D.C., on the evening of January 5, 2021, one day before the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
According to charging papers released by the United States Department of Justice, Cole is charged with transporting explosive devices and the attempted malicious destruction of property by means of explosives. Authorities say he purchased bomb-component materials such as galvanized piping, end caps, and kitchen timers in 2019-2020, and his cell-phone and vehicle location data place him in the vicinity of the DNC and RNC the night the devices were planted.
The bomb devices did not detonate, but the FBI has described them as “viable” and capable of causing serious injury or death. In surveillance video released earlier by the agency, the bomber is seen wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves and distinctive Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers with a yellow logo.
Investigators say the case remained unsolved for nearly five years despite a $500,000 reward and many tips. The breakthrough came through a renewed review of existing evidence, rather than new leads or witnesses, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Cole, who lives in a quiet subdivision in Woodbridge and works for a bail-bonds office, was taken into custody in Northern Virginia early Thursday. In a press conference, Bondi said the arrest sends the message that “You’re not going to walk into our capital city, put down two explosive devices and walk off in the sunset.”
Officials say the motive for Cole’s actions remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing into whether the bomb placements were directly tied to the broader Capitol riot the following day. For now, the arrest represents a major advance in one of the most prominent unsolved episodes of the Jan. 6 aftermath.
Sources:
- The Washington Post
- AP News
- NBC4 Washington
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Axios
- People.com
- The Guardian
- New York Post
- ABC News
- Department of Justice
- CBS News
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