Federal authorities have arrested a northern Virginia man suspected of planting the pipe bombs discovered near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court, Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was taken into custody and charged with transporting and planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on January 5, 2021.
Devices Outside RNC and DNC Were “Viable” Explosives
The bombs were placed outside the RNC and DNC headquarters, just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol. They were discovered on the afternoon of January 6, as law enforcement was already stretched responding to the assault on the Capitol building. Bomb technicians later determined that the devices contained explosive powder, fuzing systems and containers, and were capable of causing serious injury or death before they were safely neutralized.
Then–Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC building at the time and was evacuated as a precaution, underscoring how close the incident came to a wider catastrophe.
Serious Federal Charges
Cole faces federal counts including transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with intent to kill, injure or intimidate, and attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosives. Prosecutors allege he brought the devices into the District of Columbia and placed them outside the party headquarters as part of a planned operation.
Officials emphasized that the complaint is only an allegation and that Cole is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
How Investigators Say They Identified the Suspect
After nearly five years of investigation, federal agents say they linked Cole to the pipe bombs through a combination of financial, digital and physical evidence:
- Purchases of bomb components: Between 2019 and 2020, Cole allegedly bought multiple items consistent with parts used in the two devices from retailers in northern Virginia.
- License plate reader data: A Nissan Sentra registered to Cole was recorded by a highway license plate reader near South Capitol Street on the night of January 5, close to where the suspect was first seen walking in surveillance footage.
- Cell phone records: Investigators say Cole’s phone connected to cell towers covering the RNC and DNC areas between 7:39 p.m. and 8:24 p.m. on January 5, mirroring the route taken by the individual seen planting the bombs.
- Video analysis: FBI analysts concluded that one person, dressed in dark pants, a gray hoodie, gloves, face mask and distinctive Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers, placed both devices within minutes of each other.
Officials described the case as one of the most complex and resource-intensive investigations stemming from January 6, noting that investigators combed through vast troves of surveillance footage, phone and banking records, and received hundreds of thousands of tips from the public. A reward of up to $500,000 had been offered for information leading to an arrest.
“We Do Not Give Up”
Senior Justice Department and FBI officials said the arrest shows that long-running cases linked to political violence remain a top priority. They praised investigators who spent years revisiting old leads and re-analyzing data until the breakthrough that led to Cole’s identification.
Although nearly five years have passed since the pipe bombs were planted, authorities say the case remains active. Prosecutors have not yet publicly outlined any alleged motive, and investigators are still examining whether the devices were intended to coordinate with, or distract from, the Capitol attack itself.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Cole could face decades in federal prison. His initial court appearance is expected in Washington, D.C., where the case will proceed in the coming weeks.
