Judge Orders Detention for Man Accused of Planting Pipe Bombs

A federal judge has decided that a man, who is suspected of placing pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington, D.C., will remain in custody pending trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh emphasized that Brian Cole is entitled to the same presumption of innocence afforded to any defendant. In his ruling, he noted that it is the government’s responsibility to prove there are no conditions under which Cole could be released while ensuring community safety.

He acknowledged the court’s essential duty to justify this exceptional measure, explaining that, after thorough deliberation regarding relevant factors, this case met that threshold.

Federal prosecutors contended that Cole should not be released, citing concerns about public safety. They pointed out that he had been acquiring bomb-making materials as recently as August 2022.

In contrast, his defense argued that there’s no evidence suggesting he poses a future threat, highlighting that he hasn’t harmed anyone in the last five years.

An unexploded homemade bomb was found on January 6, 2021; however, Cole has claimed no link between his actions and the events occurring at the Capitol that day.

Initially, he denied any involvement, but later prosecutors allege he confessed to placing devices near both the Republican and Democratic party headquarters. Cole reportedly expressed his disillusionment with the election results and shared sentiments with claims made by some supporters of former President Donald Trump that the election was stolen.

He was apprehended in Virginia after being identified by investigators as the individual responsible for planting the pipe bombs on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate. Cole’s arrest took place in December 2025.