Brian Cole Jr., the suspect in a pipe bomb case in Washington, D.C., is on the autism spectrum and has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), according to his attorney. This information was presented in a motion opposing the government’s request to detain him until his trial.
The defense attorney described Cole as an African American adult diagnosed with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder and OCD, noting that he claimed he was not a threat to the public. The legal filing highlighted that the pipe bombs he allegedly placed outside both the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee buildings on January 5, 2021, did not detonate.
Additionally, Cole’s lawyers pointed out that he has no history of violence over the past five years. They argued that the specific circumstances surrounding his actions on January 5-6, 2021, are unlikely to arise again.
The FBI has determined that the devices were “viable,” and Cole purportedly confessed that he had set them to explode an hour after placing them. Prosecutors contended that it was merely luck that prevented the devices from causing harm, as noted in a recent court document.
The Justice Department asserted there is “overwhelming evidence” against Cole, including his own expressions of guilt and a history of misrepresenting his actions to evade responsibility.
Reports indicate that Cole had obtained the materials for the pipe bombs and was in the vicinity of the Capitol at the time, supported by cellphone data and purchase records. During an interview with federal agents, he allegedly said he targeted the two parties because he was dissatisfied with their leadership.
Following his arrest on December 4, he was charged with transporting an explosive with intent to kill or cause harm and attempted destruction with an explosive device. Should he be found guilty, he faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years.
This case had gone unsolved for some time, which became a point of frustration for the FBI. After Cole’s arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel remarked that there had been no new evidence in five years and criticized the investigation’s handling, implying either incompetence or negligence.
