A suspect accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in January 2021 has been apprehended after nearly five years on the run.
Brian Cole Jr., aged 30, was arrested in Woodbridge, Virginia, about 37 miles from Washington, D.C., and is facing charges of transporting explosives and attempted destruction.
During a press conference on Thursday, U.S. District Attorney Pam Bondi, along with other officials including District of Columbia Attorney Jeanine Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel, mentioned that Cole could be sentenced to up to ten years for the first charge and five to twenty years for the second. Bondi also noted that further charges might be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
She emphasized that Cole’s arrest stemmed from information that the Justice Department had been sitting on for “four years,” suggesting that the Biden administration might not have prioritized the case due to political considerations.
“There was no new information, no new witnesses,” Bondi stated. “It was simply the dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors.”
Patel added, “When you attack the American people and our legislative bodies, you’re attacking our way of life. This FBI and the Department of Justice stand firmly against that.” He expressed confidence in the safety promised under President Trump’s leadership.
Surveillance footage captured Cole, masked, placing pipe bombs near both headquarters between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM on January 5, 2021. His vehicle, a 2017 Nissan Sentra, was found nearby; the bombs were discovered the next day, coinciding with the infamous Capitol Riot.
Charges against Cole include allegations that he purchased multiple items consistent with those used in making pipe bombs between 2019 and 2020.
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