At a Glance
- Brian Cole, 30, arrested for planting pipe bombs near Democratic and Republican headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
- DOJ files new request to keep him in custody, citing motives tied to anger at both parties and conspiracy beliefs.
- Prosecutors say the bombs were set to detonate but failed, and Cole expressed relief that no one was harmed.
- Why it matters: The case highlights domestic threats linked to political frustration and the risks around key political sites.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a motion on Sunday to keep Brian Cole behind bars while he awaits trial, revealing fresh allegations about his motive and the steps he took to plant the devices.
New Allegations About Motive
The filing, written by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones, claims Cole told FBI agents that he saw “everything getting worse” and that “something just snapped.”
He said the parties were “in charge,” and that if people felt their votes were being tampered with, “someone up top” should speak up.
Cole argued that public figures on both sides should not be dismissed as “conspiracy theorists” or “Nazis” when people feel their votes are ignored.
Key statements from the filing:
- Cole expressed dislike for both parties and blamed the situation on “everything getting worse.”
- He claimed his intent was to make the bombs known, hoping for media coverage.
- He denied the bombs were linked to the January 6 Capitol attack.
Quote from Cole:
> “If people feel that their votes are just being thrown away, then at the very least someone should address it,” Cole told agents.
Prosecutor’s note: Cole said he had not tested the devices before planting them and that he hoped the bombs would create news.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 4 | Cole arrested in Virginia. |
| Jan. 5, 2021 | Bombs planted near party headquarters. |
| January 6 | Capitol riot occurs; bombs unrelated. |
| Sunday | DOJ files request for continued custody. |
Cole lived in a house about 25 miles southwest of Capitol Hill, shared with his mother and other family members.
Details of the Bombs
Prosecutors allege Cole assembled the devices just hours before planting them.
He kept them in a shoe box, wiped them with disinfectant wipes, and set them to detonate one hour later-though they never did.
Components recovered:
- Pipe nipple
- End caps
- Wires
- 9-volt battery
- Homemade black powder
- Wire strippers
Agents found these items in Cole’s home and car, including a receipt for hand sanitizer and a shopping bag containing end caps and a 9-volt battery.
Quote from the filing:
> “Ultimately, it was luck, not lack of effort, that the defendant failed to detonate one or both of his devices and that no one was killed or maimed due to his actions.”
The Arrest and Aftermath
Cole was arrested on Dec. 4 and charged with transporting an explosive device and attempting malicious destruction.
He has not entered a plea, and his defense counsel has not yet responded to the DOJ’s request.
The filing notes that first responders, party leaders, and even the Vice President-elect and Speaker of the House drove past the bombs before they were discovered.
Quote from the filing:
> “His failure to accomplish his objectives does not mitigate the profoundly dangerous nature of his crimes.”
Prosecutors’ Arguments
- Cole’s motive was rooted in political anger and conspiracy theories.
- He intended to create media attention but did not plan to kill.
- The bombs were set to detonate, but they did not, showing a lack of control.
Quote from Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones:
> “Cole was pretty relieved when he learned the bombs did not go off because he did not want to kill people.”
Key Takeaways
- Brian Cole is a 30-year-old who planted pipe bombs near party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
- The bombs were set to detonate but failed, and Cole expressed relief that no one was harmed.
- Prosecutors argue his actions were driven by anger at both parties and a desire for media coverage, not a direct link to the January 6 riot.
The case underscores the ongoing threat of politically motivated domestic violence and the importance of securing key government locations.
The case also highlights the need for vigilance around political sites.
