Law enforcement officials examine a vehicle in front of the home of suspected January 6, 2021 pipe bomber on December 4, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. ANDREW LEYDEN / AFP
A Virginia man was arrested on Thursday, December 4, for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters on the eve of the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot, officials said.
The arrest of Brian Cole Jr, 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, is the first breakthrough in the nearly five-year-old case, which spawned numerous conspiracy theories among the far right.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Cole faces charges of interstate transportation of an explosive device and attempted destruction using explosive materials. "There could be more charges to come," Bondi said at a press conference. Bondi declined to speculate on whether the pipe-bombing was politically motivated, saying the investigation was ongoing.
The pipe bombs – placed outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) offices in Washington in the evening of January 5 – failed to detonate. The devices were discovered by authorities the next day as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in a bid to prevent the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.
