Brian J. Cole Jr. Pleads Not Guilty to Planting Pipe Bombs at DNC and RNC Headquarters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Brian J. Cole Jr., the man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., pleaded not guilty this week in federal court. Cole was arrested by the FBI at his Virginia home in early December and faces two counts related to transporting and attempting to use explosives.
The charges stem from an incident on January 5, 2021, the eve of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, when two pipe bombs were discovered near party offices downtown. Though the devices failed to detonate, federal prosecutors say Cole admitted to planting them after initially denying involvement. According to court documents, he confessed following a presentation of surveillance footage showing him near the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
“According to the defendant, he was not really thinking about how people would react when the bombs detonated, although he hoped there would be news about it,” the documents state. Cole reportedly expressed relief when he learned the bombs had not exploded. When questioned about his motive, he said “something just snapped” after observing the political climate deteriorate following the 2020 election. He claimed he targeted both parties because “they were in charge.”
The FBI released surveillance images depicting Cole walking near the DNC building shortly before placing one of the devices. The Department of Justice emphasized the gravity of the crime, noting that it was “luck, not lack of effort,” that prevented the bombs from detonating and causing injury or death. Cole allegedly set the devices to explode 60 minutes after placement.
Prosecutors also revealed that Cole continued purchasing bomb-making materials after the failed attempt, underscoring the ongoing threat he posed. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison on one count and up to 20 years on the other.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and political violence in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to prioritize investigations into threats against political institutions. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has underscored its commitment to prosecuting those who seek to undermine democratic processes through violence.
Brian Cole Jr.’s arraignment follows years of heightened security and scrutiny following the January 6 Capitol attack. The incident involving the pipe bombs added an additional layer of alarm about coordinated efforts to disrupt government operations. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has since worked closely with law enforcement agencies to bolster protections around critical sites.
As the case proceeds, it raises broader questions about the motivations behind politically charged violence and the measures necessary to prevent such attacks. The FBI and federal prosecutors have urged vigilance and cooperation from the public to help identify and stop potential threats.
For more information on federal efforts to combat domestic terrorism, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s domestic terrorism page.
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