Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, faces federal charges for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021—the day before the Capitol attack. Prosecutors claim he confessed to investigators, stating he acted to “speak up” for 2020 election deniers tired of being labeled “conspiracy theorists” or worse by both parties, inspired by video games and Irish history like the Troubles. The devices, viable explosives with 60-minute timers planted at night to avoid casualties, were found around 1 p.m. on January 6 but failed to detonate; Cole discarded materials after seeing news coverage.
Confession and Motive
Cole initially said he came to D.C. for Trump support but admitted planting the bombs because “something just snapped” amid ignored election grievances. He drove alone in his Nissan Sentra, learned bomb-making from games, and targeted both headquarters as he disliked “either party,” per DOJ filings.
Legal Status
Arrested December 4, 2025, Cole faces charges of transporting explosives interstate with intent to injure or destroy, plus attempted malicious destruction by fire or explosives. His lawyers oppose DOJ delays to his preliminary hearing—pushing for January 7-8—demanding full discovery now, including confessions, and insist December 30 remains timely without extraordinary cause shown. Prosecutors seek pretrial detention, citing the bombs’ functionality per FBI analysis.
