Brian Cole: The Man Arrested for Planting Pipe Bombs in Washington in 2021
In a case that has captured national attention, Brian Cole, a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, has been identified and arrested in connection with planting pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the January 6, 2021 Capitol events.
Who Is Brian Cole?
Brian Cole is a resident of Woodbridge, located in Prince William County, Virginia, about 36 miles west of Washington, D.C. According to court filings, he works in the office of a bail bondsman in northern Virginia. Bail bondsmen provide financial guarantees to courts that defendants will appear for required hearings after being released from jail.
Cole lives in a single-family household in Woodbridge with his mother and other family members. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and wears corrective eyeglasses.
The Charges Against Cole
Cole faces multiple federal charges, including:
- Transporting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in interstate commerce with intent to kill, injure, intimidate, or damage property
- Attempted malicious destruction using fire and explosive materials
Authorities allege that Cole’s actions endangered lives and targeted nationwide political organizations.
What Is a Pipe Bomb?
Pipe bombs are a type of homemade explosive device. Typically, a pipe bomb consists of a PVC or metal pipe sealed at both ends and filled with explosive material. These devices are often equipped with a fuse, timer, or remote trigger.
In Cole’s case, the devices reportedly consisted of 1-inch by 8-inch pipes containing red and black electrical wires connected to a nine-volt battery, a kitchen timer, paper clips, steel wool, and homemade black powder.
What Happened on January 6, 2021?
On January 6, 2021, thousands of rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an effort to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Amid the chaos, law enforcement was alerted around 1:00 PM to a suspected IED near the RNC headquarters. About 15 minutes later, a second device was reported near the DNC headquarters, a few blocks away.
Members of the Hazardous Devices Section of the United States Capitol Police successfully deactivated both bombs before they could detonate. Fortunately, no one was injured by the devices.
How Was Cole Identified?
Surveillance footage captured a masked individual placing the bombs, and FBI investigators estimated the suspect’s height at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). In March 2021, the FBI released the footage and offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Over the following years, the FBI received thousands of tips. Investigators then linked Cole to the bombing through cellphone records, purchase histories of bomb components, and bank/credit card transactions from 2019 and 2020.
Deputy Assistant Director Darren Cox emphasized the persistence of the FBI team:
“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 and Legal Proceedings
As of now, authorities have not revealed Cole’s motive. Local media report that he will appear in federal court in Washington, D.C., for a hearing soon.
If convicted, Cole could face up to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence for IED offenses. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that the investigation into his role is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
The January 6 Context
The bomb-planting occurred during the infamous January 6 Capitol riots, when rioters attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election. That day, more than 2,000 rioters broke into the Capitol building, damaged property, and assaulted law enforcement officers. At least five people died, and hundreds faced federal charges, with prison sentences ranging from a few years to over two decades.
Brian Cole’s arrest highlights the lingering investigations related to the events of January 6, 2021. While his exact motive remains unknown, the serious charges he faces underscore the grave threat posed by improvised explosive devices in politically sensitive areas. The case is a reminder of the ongoing effort by law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability and public safety.
