by Washington, DC – A man accused of planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican national committees on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot has been formally indicted in federal court nearly five years after the alleged crime, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors say the case against Brian Cole Jr. marks a major development in one of the most alarming security threats tied to the events surrounding the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Federal Indictment Filed Years After Alleged Attack
The federal indictment charges Brian Cole Jr. with interstate transportation of explosives and malicious attempt to use explosives, stemming from the alleged placement of two improvised explosive devices near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters on the evening of January 5, 2021.
The charges mirror those filed in a criminal complaint last month, according to the announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice, which outlined the government’s case against Cole.
Why the Case Is Being Prosecuted Federally
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said federal jurisdiction was appropriate due to the nature of the alleged conduct and the locations targeted.
“Given that Cole crossed state lines and targeted the political leadership of both parties, for which there is an inherent crime of federal jurisdiction, handling this in federal court is most proper,” Pirro said in a statement.
She added that investigators worked extensively to build a case that could withstand scrutiny.
“The FBI and my office worked around the clock to ensure that this defendant is charged with the right crimes for his dangerous acts,” Pirro said.
Devices Found on January 6, 2021
Law enforcement officials discovered the two pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters on January 6, 2021, the same day rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop certification of the 2020 presidential election.
Prosecutors said neither device detonated. Officers with the U.S. Capitol Police successfully carried out a “render safe procedure”, neutralizing the explosives without injuries.
Authorities have long considered the unexploded devices one of the most serious unresolved threats linked to that day.
Alleged Confession and Motive
In a prior Justice Department filing, prosecutors said Cole allegedly confessed after his arrest, telling investigators that “something just snapped” before he planted the devices.
According to the memo, Cole said he wanted to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and viewed the nation’s political parties as being “in charge.”
Investigators say the alleged statements helped establish motive and intent in the case.
Evidence Collected by Investigators
Federal prosecutors allege that Cole purchased multiple components used to build the pipe bombs during 2019 and 2020 from retail stores across northern Virginia.
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed an individual matching Cole’s appearance placing the devices while wearing dark pants, a gray hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes, and a face mask, according to court documents.
Cole’s Nissan Sentra was also spotted near the area, and cell phone records allegedly placed him at the scene between 7:39 p.m. and 8:24 p.m. on January 5, 2021.
Arrest and Personal Background
Cole was arrested at his home on December 4, 2025, in Woodbridge, Virginia, following what authorities described as a multi-agency investigation.
In court filings, Cole’s attorneys disclosed that he is on the autism spectrum and has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, information they said is relevant to his mental state and legal defense.
Judge Orders Continued Detention
On Friday, a federal magistrate judge ordered Cole to remain behind bars pending trial, citing concerns that he could pose a danger to the community if released.
Prosecutors argued that the nature of the alleged crimes, combined with the evidence presented, justified continued detention while the case proceeds through federal court.
Conclusion
The federal indictment of Brian Cole Jr. closes a long-running chapter in the investigation into the pipe bombs discovered near major political party headquarters in January 2021. While the devices never exploded, officials say the case underscores the seriousness of the threat and the lasting legal consequences tied to that day.
High-profile cases tied to political violence continue to shape national debate. Share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how events surrounding January 6 have impacted your views on public safety and accountability.
