Summary
Brian Cole, a 30-year-old from Virginia, was arrested for planting pipe bombs during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. The Justice Department says Cole faces charges related to explosives and attempts to cause damage. Authorities used surveillance footage and phone records to identify him.
Key Facts
- Brian Cole is from Woodbridge, Virginia, about 36 miles from Washington, DC.
- He worked for a bail bondsman in northern Virginia.
- Cole is charged with transporting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and trying to destroy property using explosives and fire.
- Pipe bombs were found near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC.
- Both IEDs were deactivated by authorities before they could explode.
- Cole's motive remains unknown.
- Surveillance footage and cellphone records helped identify Cole.
- The FBI linked Cole to purchases of bomb components using bank and credit card records.
