Arrest of Pipe Bomb Suspect in D.C.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, discussed the personal details of the suspect linked to the pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., during an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle.”
Federal agents apprehended Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old from Virginia, early Thursday after a lengthy investigation that spanned nearly five years and analyzed millions of data points.
Pirro described Cole as leading a rather unassuming life, sharing a home with his mother. “He always had headphones on. He would go out with his dog or head to 7-Eleven. Very reserved, very discreet,” Pirro noted.
Cole is under suspicion for planting two pipe bombs near both the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 6, 2021, coinciding with rioters moving towards the Capitol in protest of the 2020 election results.
Video footage from the FBI captured the suspect placing the explosive devices in Washington, D.C. “The ringtone of the mobile phone led us to a video we shot of the defendant walking in the area,” Pirro stated. The explosives were deemed “viable devices that could explode and cause serious injury or death” by FBI findings after they were discovered by law enforcement several hours later.
Pirro mentioned that authorities had Cole under surveillance prior to his arrest. “He was the most reserved person you could imagine. He didn’t use social media much,” she remarked.
Cole is now in federal custody facing charges related to explosives, with the possibility of additional charges to follow.
“His closest friends are family. He lives with his mother and sisters. He worked for several hours daily, and his father owned a bail bond company,” Pirro explained.
During the search of Cole’s home, law enforcement uncovered multiple components and products suitable for making pipe bombs. “He was really into this,” Pirro added.
Pirro revealed that Cole had been purchasing bomb-making materials since 2019, attributing the investigation’s revival to efforts made during the Trump administration, while suggesting that the current administration has not prioritized the case. “This case was resolved because President Trump and his administration made it a priority,” she said. “The well-being of society depends on people feeling safe, and people feel safe when we hold criminals accountable.”
