After his arrest earlier this month, Brian Cole Jr., the suspect in the pipe bomb incident in Washington, D.C., expressed to authorities that he aimed to “speak out” for those who believe the 2020 election was stolen. He intended to hold the country’s political parties accountable as “culprits,” according to prosecutors.
Cole, 30, told investigators that he felt a sudden surge of emotion the night before the January 6 riot, just before he allegedly planted two pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee headquarters. This was revealed in a recently filed memo from the Justice Department.
“If people think something as essential as voting in a federal election is being tampered with, someone should definitely speak up,” the memo reflected. “Ideally, someone in power should do it—just to help calm the situation.”
A courtroom sketch depicted Cole at a federal courthouse in Washington.
He faces charges for placing two pipe bombs in D.C. on the eve of the Capitol riot. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Cole allegedly planting these explosives near the Democratic and Republican Committee headquarters.
Cole shared that witnessing the chaos made him feel like he needed to take action “for the people involved,” whom he believes bear responsibility.
His statements provided insight into a potential motive for the attempted attack and were included in a memo suggesting that he should remain incarcerated as the case unfolds.
Initially, Cole denied any link between his actions and the January 6 events. However, he later admitted his involvement in the bomb-planting plot, according to court documents. He indicated that he felt disillusioned by the 2020 election results and had supported former President Joe Biden’s unfounded claims about election fraud.
After his arrest, investigators found bomb-making materials in his home, strengthening the case against him. According to the criminal complaint, he had built the homemade pipe bombs with supplies bought from several hardware stores as well as retailers like Micro Center, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
The devices consisted of 8-inch galvanized steel tubing sealed with an end cap, equipped with a 9-volt battery and a kitchen timer. Fortunately, the bombs did not detonate and were discovered on January 6, as rioters attempted to disrupt the certification of the election.
Additionally, the indictment indicates that Cole continued to acquire bomb-making materials even after placing the explosives outside the RNC and DNC.
When asked about his choice of targets, Cole remarked, “I really don’t like either party at this point.”
After cooperating with various authorities, he was arrested at his home in Woodbridge, Virginia, on December 4. He faces charges related to the use of an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction. His next court hearing is set for Tuesday in Washington.
