Summary
A man named Brian J. Cole Jr. is suspected of planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C., the day before the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. The Department of Justice says Cole confessed, citing dissatisfaction with the 2020 presidential election results as his motive. He was arrested in December 2023 after a long investigation.
Key Facts
- Brian J. Cole Jr. is accused of planting pipe bombs near party headquarters in D.C.
- The bombs were found on January 6, 2021, and did not explode but were considered dangerous.
- Cole allegedly confessed to the FBI, citing concerns over the 2020 election results.
- He said he felt compelled to "speak up" but was not usually political.
- Cole initially denied the crime but later admitted to intending to plant the bombs.
- He was arrested in December 2023 in Woodbridge, Virginia.
- The FBI used bank and cell records to identify him as a suspect.
- The bombs posed a risk to pedestrians, office workers, and political figures, including the Vice President-elect at the time.
