At a Glance
- Brian Cole, 30, accused of planting pipe bombs at Democratic and Republican party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
- He is requesting conditional release, citing a mild autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
- Prosecutors argue he was motivated by hatred of both parties and had evidence of pre-planning.
- Why it matters: The case highlights tensions between mental health considerations and national security concerns in domestic terrorism prosecutions.
Brian Cole, a 30-year-old Virginia resident, faces federal charges for allegedly placing pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican party headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. After being held since a Dec. 4 arrest, he is now seeking conditional release, citing an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Legal Status and Plea
Cole has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys filed a motion on Tuesday, stating that he has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, describing the autism as mild.
They argue there is no evidence of evasive conduct or resistance to law enforcement, and that Cole poses no ongoing threat to the community.
- No evidence of resistance or escape attempts
- Maintains routine at family bail-bond business
- No change of address or flight risk
Government Allegations
Prosecutors claim Cole wore a mask and gloves that night, wiped down the bombs with disinfectant, and performed a factory reset of his phone more than 900 times between December 2020 and his arrest.
They also say he told FBI agents that “something just snapped” after watching events worsen, and that he directed his anger at both parties because they were in charge.
- Mask and gloves used during planting
- Disinfected bombs before placement
- 900+ phone factory resets
- “Something just snapped” statement to FBI
Motive and Inspiration
Cole reportedly believes in 2020 election conspiracy theories and was inspired by the sectarian violence of The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Outcome and Statements
Federal prosecutors urge the judge to keep Cole in detention, arguing that his actions were justified by extreme hatred. The government filing notes that the bombs failed to detonate and that no injuries occurred, stating that luck, not lack of effort, prevented an explosion.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 4 2021 | Arrest |
| Jan 5 2021 | Bomb planting |
| Jan 5 2021 | FBI interview confession |
| Tuesday (filing) | Attorneys request conditional release |
| Sunday (filing) | Government requests continued detention |
Key Takeaways
- Brian Cole seeks conditional release after planting pipe bombs at party HQs before Jan. 6.
- Attorneys cite autism; prosecutors say he was driven by hatred of parties.
- The case underscores the balance between mental health and national security in domestic terrorism cases.
Brian Cole’s request for release and the government’s counter-motion highlight the tension between individual mental health considerations and national security concerns amid ongoing investigations into the Jan. 6 attacks.
By Derrick M. Collins | News Of Fort Worth
