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FBI Pipe Bomb Suspect Motivated by Election Disappointment, Prosecutor Says
The man accused of planting pipe bombs outside Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C. on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot was “disappointed” in the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, according to federal prosecutors who detailed the case Friday.
Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested Thursday in connection with the explosive devices that were discovered outside both political party headquarters on January 5, 2021. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, evidence collected by investigators makes it “unmistakable” that Cole was responsible for the potentially deadly devices.
“He was disappointed in various aspects of the election, but this guy was an equal opportunity bomber,” Pirro told ABC News Live. “He was disappointed to a great deal in the system. Both sides of the system.”
Sources familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that Cole confessed to planting the devices during more than four hours of questioning after his arrest. These sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated Cole believed conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election and expressed views supportive of former President Donald Trump, who had lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
Federal prosecutor Charles Jones confirmed the lengthy interrogation during Cole’s initial court appearance Friday, where U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered the suspect to remain in custody. Cole did not enter a plea and is scheduled for a detention hearing on December 15.
The arrest represents a major breakthrough in a case that has puzzled investigators for nearly five years. Despite hundreds of tips, extensive video reviews, and numerous interviews, the FBI had previously struggled to identify a suspect in the bombing attempt.
Investigators pieced together multiple forms of evidence that led them to Cole. Surveillance video had captured the masked suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and distinctive Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes while placing the devices. “He told us that he had those sneakers and that he got rid of them after he placed the pipe bombs,” Pirro said.
Cell phone records proved particularly damning. “In my mind, they were on the right path when it was clear that the cellphone was pinging in the exact locations where we had the video of the suspect walking along the area,” Pirro explained. “Everywhere he walked, his cellphone was pinging at the cell tower. So it is unmistakable that he was the guy who was walking along and placing those items.”
Credit card records further linked Cole to components used in constructing the pipe bombs, according to the FBI. While no one was injured—authorities safely defused both devices—investigators have emphasized that the bombs could have caused significant casualties had they detonated.
The incident occurred during a period of intense political tension. The following day, January 6, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol following a “Stop the Steal” rally where Trump continued promoting conspiracy theories that the election had been stolen from him.
During Cole’s court appearance, family members offered words of support as he was led from the courtroom. “We love you!” one shouted, while another called out, “We’re here for you, baby.” Defense attorney John Shoreman declined to comment substantively on the charges, noting, “We’re in the very, very early stages.”
The pipe bomb case had remained one of the most significant unsolved aspects of the events surrounding the Capitol attack. While hundreds of individuals have been prosecuted for their roles in the riot itself, the identity of the pipe bomb suspect had remained elusive until now.
Authorities have not yet specified what additional charges Cole might face or whether his actions were coordinated with other individuals involved in the Capitol riot.
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11 Comments
While it’s troubling to hear about this suspect’s alleged actions, I’m relieved that no one was injured. Political violence has no place in a healthy democracy. Hopefully this serves as a wake-up call to address the root causes of such extreme views and find more constructive ways to engage in the political process.
Resorting to violence over election results is never justified, no matter the political leanings. I hope this suspect faces the full consequences of his alleged actions and that this serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding democratic norms and the rule of law.
Agreed. Political violence is unacceptable and undermines the foundations of our democracy. This case underscores the need for greater civic education and efforts to address the root causes of political extremism.
Disappointment over election results is understandable, but turning to explosives and violence is never the right response. I hope the authorities get to the bottom of what motivated this suspect and ensure he faces appropriate consequences for his actions.
This suspect’s actions were clearly unacceptable, regardless of political leanings. Resorting to violence and explosives is never the answer, even if one is disappointed with election outcomes. I hope the justice system holds him fully accountable.
This case highlights the urgent need to address the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories that can drive people to desperate and dangerous acts. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what motivated this suspect and work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Regardless of one’s political affiliation, violence and explosives have no place in a healthy democracy. While electoral disappointment is understandable, this suspect’s alleged actions crossed a clear line. I hope this serves as a wake-up call for all of us to recommit to nonviolent civic engagement.
While I understand the frustration that can come with electoral disappointment, planting explosive devices is an extremely dangerous and unacceptable escalation. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this suspect’s motivations and ensure he faces appropriate consequences.
It’s concerning to hear that this individual was so disillusioned with the election process that he allegedly resorted to planting explosive devices. While we should take all election-related concerns seriously, violence is never justified. Hopefully this serves as a wake-up call to address the root causes of such extreme views.
This is a disturbing case that highlights the risks of allowing political grievances to spiral out of control. I hope the justice system can hold this suspect accountable while also working to address the broader societal issues that may have contributed to his alleged actions.
Pipe bombs are an extremely dangerous and illegal escalation, no matter the political motivation. I’m glad this suspect was apprehended before anyone was harmed. It’s critical that we uphold democratic norms and the rule of law, even in the face of electoral disappointment.