The FBI has arrested a Virginia man they believe planted the pipe bombs found near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC, on the eve of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Attorney General Pam Bondi identified the suspect as Brian Cole Jr. of Woodbridge, Virginia, and said he has been charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and malicious destruction by means of explosion.
Officials said the arrest follows an almost five-year investigation involving tens of thousands of video files, cell phone data, shoe-sale records and other forensic evidence.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino said a new investigative team and fresh forensic work produced the “aha moment” that led to Cole’s identification and arrest, while stressing that the investigation remains active and more charges are possible.
The bombs, which the FBI has said were viable, were planted outside the DNC and behind the RNC on January 5, 2021, and were discovered about 15 hours later.
Their discovery helped pull law enforcement away from the Capitol complex just as Trump supporters began breaching police lines.