Man Accused of Planting Pipe Bombs in D.C. Says He Wanted to ‘Speak Up’ on Election Fraud Claims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal prosecutors disclosed Sunday that Brian J. Cole Jr., the man arrested for planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., in January 2021, confessed he felt compelled to “speak up” for those who believed the 2020 presidential election was stolen. According to a detailed memo filed by the Department of Justice, Cole initially denied involvement but later admitted to placing the undetonated devices, citing his disillusionment with the election outcome and sympathy for claims made by former President Donald Trump and some of his allies.
Authorities arrested Cole in Woodbridge, Virginia, earlier this month after years of the case remaining unsolved. The pipe bombs were discovered on January 6, 2021, coinciding with the Capitol attack, though prosecutors said Cole denied any direct connection to the events at the Capitol that day. The memo outlines statements Cole made to investigators, including his belief that if people felt voting integrity was compromised, “someone needs to speak up, right? Someone up top. You know, just to, just to at the very least calm things down.”
Prosecutors also noted that Cole targeted both parties because they controlled the political system, reflecting his frustration with the broader political landscape. “Something just snapped,” Cole reportedly told agents, describing his reaction after “watching everything, just everything getting worse.” Evidence recovered from his home included bomb-making materials linking him to the crime.
The FBI released new surveillance footage showing Cole walking outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters moments before placing one of the devices. The case marks the first major breakthrough in a probe that had gone cold for years. Cole made his initial court appearance on December 5, 2025.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice, have been investigating the pipe bomb incidents as part of broader efforts to address domestic terrorism linked to the January 6 Capitol attack. The Justice Department’s memorandum emphasizes the threat posed by such acts and underscores the importance of detaining Cole as the case proceeds.
This revelation comes amid ongoing national discussions about election security and the impact of misinformation. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission continues to work on safeguarding electoral processes, while the Department of Homeland Security’s Election Security division monitors threats to democratic institutions.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant against politically motivated violence and emphasize the need for public trust in the electoral system. Cole’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed when extremist beliefs translate into violent actions.
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