Judge rules alleged Jan. 6 pipe bomber not covered by Trump's blanket pardons
Summary
A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump's broad pardons related to the January 6 Capitol attack do not apply to Brian Cole Jr., who is charged with planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee offices. The judge said the pardons only cover people already convicted at the time they were issued, and Cole was charged months later.Key Facts
- Brian Cole Jr. is accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters before January 6, 2021.
- President Trump issued pardons covering people convicted of offenses linked to the January 6 event.
- The judge stated Cole’s actions are not covered because he was not convicted when the pardon was given.
- Cole was first charged in December 2025, well after the pardons were announced.
- Cole’s defense argued the pardon should apply, but the judge rejected this.
- Cole has pleaded not guilty and will attend a court status conference soon.
- The judge also dismissed Cole’s claim that ongoing indictments should be dismissed because of the president’s directive.
- The ruling emphasizes that the blanket pardons do not apply to individuals charged after the pardons were issued.
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