Summary
The FBI arrested Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting two pipe bombs outside political party headquarters on January 5, 2021, just before the Capitol riot. He was charged with attempted destruction using explosives, but the bombs did not explode, and no motive was provided. Authorities combed through a large amount of evidence over nearly five years to make the arrest.
Key Facts
- Brian Cole Jr. was arrested for allegedly placing pipe bombs near Democratic and Republican headquarters in January 2021.
- The bombs did not go off, and Mr. Cole has been charged with attempted malicious destruction.
- He reportedly believed the 2020 election was stolen, echoing President Trump's claims.
- Mr. Cole lives in Woodbridge, Virginia, and his family runs a bail bond company.
- The FBI spent nearly five years gathering evidence, including analyzing phone data and conducting interviews.
- Video evidence showed Mr. Cole's car near the bomb locations on the night they were planted.
- Law enforcement officers did not state a clear motive for the bomb placement.
