Arrest of Brian Cole Jr.: Federal Charges Tied to 2021 Washington, DC Pipe Bombs

Suspect Arrested in Woodbridge, Virginia

On Thursday in a Woodbridge, Virginia, neighborhood, FBI personnel executed a federal search warrant at a residence and arrested a 30-year-old man, Brian Cole Jr. According to a neighbor, agents arrived with two Humvee-style vehicles, a group of armed figures in camouflage, and used a loudspeaker to announce themselves as the FBI and order occupants to exit the house with their hands raised.

Allegations Tied to January 2021 Pipe Bombs in Washington, DC

Prosecutors and FBI officials announced federal charges against Brian Cole Jr. in connection with two pipe bombs placed near the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington, DC.
The devices were planted between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2021, the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot. Cole is accused of building and planting the bombs and is expected to appear in federal court in Washington, DC, on Friday.

Details of the 2021 Devices and Discovery

A criminal affidavit states that a single individual placed both pipe bombs, which the FBI described as viable and capable of causing harm if detonated. One device was found outside the DNC headquarters, the other behind the RNC building.

The bombs were discovered at about 1 p.m. on January 6, 2021, prompting a major law-enforcement response that diverted officers from the nearby Capitol as the riot began.

Then–Vice President-elect Kamala Harris came within approximately 20 feet of the device placed at the DNC.

The FBI assessed that the bombs were constructed using:

• A 1-inch-by-8-inch pipe and end caps

• Red and black 14-gauge electrical wire

• A 9-volt battery and connector

• A white kitchen timer

• Steel wool

• Other components

Investigative Work and Evidence

The FBI reported that investigators spent nearly five years on the case, reviewing:

• ~39,000 video files

• More than 1,000 interviews

• Over 600 tips

The reward for information increased from $50,000 → $100,000 → $500,000.

Surveillance videos previously released by the FBI showed the suspect wearing:

• Dark pants

• A gray hooded sweatshirt

• Dark gloves

• A medical mask

• Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers (black & light gray with yellow logo) — fewer than 25,000 pairs had been sold

• The suspect was seen adjusting eyeglasses; agents estimated the height at ~5'7"

The affidavit notes:

• Cole wears corrective eyeglasses

• He is 5'6" tall

Purchases, Location Data, and Vehicle Records

The affidavit states that in 2019 and 2020, Cole purchased items from Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Micro Center consistent with components used in the pipe bombs. Investigators determined he had bought all parts believed to be used, along with safety equipment like glasses and a wire-stripping tool.

The FBI also obtained:

• Historical cell-site records for Jan. 5, 2021

• Cole’s phone records, which were consistent with being near the RNC and DNC

• License-plate reader data showing his 2017 Nissan Sentra passing by around 7:10 p.m. on Jan. 5, less than half a mile from where the suspect was first seen

Statements From Federal Officials

At a Thursday news conference:

• Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the arrest occurred because the Trump administration had prioritized the case. She emphasized there was no new tip or witness, crediting investigative work instead.

• U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described tracing the components — including 233,000 black end caps distributed in 2020 — and connecting sales of pipes, wires, steel, and nine-volt batteries to an individual.

• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino recounted being informed that agents believed they had identified a suspect.
  Assistant Director Darren Cox noted that agents spent nearly five years processing data and tips, ultimately leading to Cole’s identification and arrest.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials said the investigation into the Washington, DC, pipe bombs remains active, with additional search warrants still being executed.

Bondi and Pirro declined to answer questions about whether the distinctive sneakers seen in surveillance footage had been recovered, citing the ongoing nature of the case.