Brian Cole, a 30-year-old resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, has been arrested for allegedly planting two pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots. The arrest follows a multi-year investigation by the FBI, which involved analyzing thousands of tips, surveillance footage, and digital evidence.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of who Brian Cole is, the charges against him, and what happened during the 2021 Capitol events.
Who is Brian Cole?
Brian Cole is a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, located in Prince William County, roughly 36 miles west of Washington, D.C. According to an FBI affidavit filed on December 3, Cole worked in the office of a bail bondsman in northern Virginia. A bail bondsman, also known as a bond agent, provides financial guarantees to the court to ensure that a defendant appears for scheduled hearings after being released from custody.
Cole reportedly lives with his mother and other family members in a single-family home in Woodbridge. He is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and wears corrective eyeglasses.
Charges Against Brian Cole
The U.S. Justice Department has charged Cole with:
- Transporting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) Across State Lines – This involves moving bombs from one state to another with intent to kill, injure, intimidate, or damage property.
- Attempted Malicious Destruction Using Fire and Explosives – Targeting federal property or buildings.
These are serious federal offenses that carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years if convicted.
What Are Pipe Bombs?
Pipe bombs are a type of improvised explosive device (IED) often constructed using everyday materials. They are typically made from a sealed PVC or metal pipe, filled with explosive powder or chemicals, and equipped with a fuse, timer, or remote trigger.
In Cole’s case, the FBI reported that the bombs included 1-inch by 8-inch (2.5–20 cm) pipes containing black powder, electrical wiring, a nine-volt battery, alligator clips, paper clips, steel wool, and a white kitchen timer. Both devices were safely deactivated by the United States Capitol Police (USCP) before detonation.
Alleged Actions on January 6, 2021
At approximately 1:00 PM (18:00 GMT) on January 6, 2021, authorities were alerted to a suspected IED near the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Fifteen minutes later, a second device was reported near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, just a few blocks away.
Both devices were identified as pipe bombs. Surveillance footage showed the same individual placing the bombs while wearing a mask. The FBI later matched Cole’s cell phone records to the Capitol Hill area during the time the bombs were planted and traced his purchases of bomb-making materials through credit card and bank records from 2019 and 2020.
How Brian Cole Was Identified
The investigation into Cole’s actions spanned nearly five years. Initially, surveillance footage suggested the suspect was approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. In March 2021, the FBI released images of the suspect and offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to identification.
Thousands of tips were submitted, and the FBI painstakingly analyzed data, eventually confirming Cole’s identity through a combination of cell phone location records, financial transactions, and surveillance evidence.
Darren Cox, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI, emphasized the agency’s persistence:
“We do not forget, we do not give up, and we do not relent. Though it had been nearly five years, our team continued to churn through massive amounts of data and tips that we used to identify this suspect.”
Motive Remains Unknown
Authorities have not disclosed Cole’s motive for targeting the RNC and DNC. Investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be filed depending on the findings.
The January 6 Capitol Riots
On January 6, 2021, thousands of individuals gathered at the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 Presidential election results. Rioters, spurred by false claims of election fraud, stormed the Capitol building, broke windows, invaded congressional offices, damaged property, and clashed with police.
The violent event resulted in several injuries and at least five deaths. Over 2,000 individuals were arrested in connection with the riot, with more than 950 facing federal charges. Some rioters affiliated with extremist groups received prison sentences ranging from 15 to 22 years, while most were sentenced between three and seven years.
In January 2025, then-President Donald Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 January 6 defendants, describing the legal consequences they faced as “outrageous.”
Next Steps for Brian Cole
Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed that the investigation into Cole’s involvement in the January 6 events continues. Local reports indicate that Cole is scheduled to appear in federal court in Washington, D.C., for an initial hearing.
If convicted, the charges against him, particularly those related to IEDs, carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
Conclusion
Brian Cole’s arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the January 6 Capitol riots. His alleged actions with pipe bombs highlight the severity of domestic threats and the meticulous work of federal investigators over the past several years.
Leave a Reply