FBI Arrests Virginia Man in Connection with Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Examination
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A nearly five-year investigation into the placement of pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C.,culminated on thursday,December 4,with the arrest of Brian Jerome Cole Jr., 30, of Northern Virginia. The arrest offers a potential turning point in a case that has shadowed the aftermath of the january 6th Capitol attack.
The investigation, prompted a massive investigation by federal law enforcement. According to a news briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that investigators located Cole through diligent review of existing evidence – including cell phone data and purchasing records – rather than relying on new leads. “that evidence has been sitting there collecting dust,” Bondi said.
Who is Brian Jerome Cole Jr.?
Brian Cole, a resident of woodbridge, Virginia, a community located approximately 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., currently lives with his mother and other family members, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He graduated from Hylton High School in 2013, confirmed by Prince William County Public Schools Director of Communication Diana Gulotta.
Public records indicate Cole has no prior criminal history, though he does have several traffic violations on file that occurred after the pipe bomb incident.
Charges and Allegations
Cole is currently charged with use of an explosive device, with the possibility of additional charges being filed. Bondi indicated to reporters that the investigation remains ongoing and that “there was no new tip. There was no new witness, just good diligent police work and prosecutorial work.”
Court documents reveal a pattern of purchases dating back to October 2019 through late 2020, consistent with the components needed to construct the two pipe bombs found at the RNC and DNC offices. These purchases, made using Cole’s credit card and checking account, included items such as a galvanized pipe, end caps, electrical wire, battery clips, and white kitchen timers. Investigators tracked purchases made at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Micro Center.
The suspect also acquired items like safety glasses, a wire-stripping tool, and a machinist’s file, potentially used in the bomb-making process. Notably, purchases continued even after the pipe bombs where discovered, including additional kitchen timers, nine-volt batteries, and galvanized pipes in January 2021.
Evidence Linking Cole to the Scene
Attempts to reach Cole via phone and through relatives were unsuccessful on December 4. Though, cell phone provider records place Cole’s device in the vicinity of the RNC and DNC offices on January 5, 2021.
Further corroborating evidence includes surveillance footage capturing a Virginia license plate registered to Cole’s 2017 nissan Sentra at 7:10 p.m.on the same day, at the South Capitol Street exit from Interstate 395 South – less than half a mile from where the individual placing the devices was first observed.
It remains unclear whether Cole has retained legal counsel.
Ongoing Investigation
On Thursday, december 4, the street in front of cole’s home in Prince william County was secured by FBI agents and Prince William County police. The nature of any items recovered during the search remains unknown.The FBI and Prince william County police have been contacted for further information.
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The arrest of brian Cole represents a meaningful advancement in a case that has lingered for years, raising questions about the motivations behind the attempted bombings and the broader security landscape surrounding the January 6th events.
