On December 5, 2025, a man was arrested for his actions four years ago. On the night before the riot of January 6, 2021, Brian J. Cole Jr. planted two pipe bombs outside both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC). Three weeks ago, Cole was charged with transporting an explosive device with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual, or cause damage to any building.
Cole, age 30, is from suburban Virginia. According to USA Today, he did not have a criminal history, other than several traffic violations. However, between 2019 and 2020, authorities stated that he bought materials used to manufacture the pipe bombs that he placed at the RNC and DNC. No motives have been identified yet.
According to Time Magazine, the pipe bombs were discovered roughly 15 hours after they were planted, and were disabled. The FBI has stated that the bombs could have easily killed or injured people in the vicinity if they had not been discovered. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was in the DNC offices at the time the pipe bomb was discovered and was evacuated from the area by the Secret Service.
According to Attorney General Pam Bondi in a press briefing, the arrest of the bomb suspect was delayed due to months of searching through evidence, as well as long, diligent police work. She also stated that the investigation is still active, with search warrants still being executed and many charges potentially to come.
Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, told Time Magazine, “Washingtonians can rest easier today knowing that the suspect responsible for this act is now in custody.”
