Federal agents on Thursday arrested a Virginia man in connection with the long-running investigation into two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the evening of Jan. 5, 2021 — the day before the Capitol riot. The devices were rendered safe and never detonated.
The suspect was identified by prosecutors as Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia. He was taken into custody and has been charged in federal court with offenses that include transporting an explosive device across state lines and attempted malicious destruction by means of an explosive device, according to a Department of Justice charging announcement.
Officials said the arrest was the product of renewed, painstaking analysis of existing evidence rather than a single new tip. Investigators reexamined surveillance footage, cellphone and bank records, retail purchase data and other digital evidence — including video clips previously released by the FBI — which helped narrow the probe that spanned nearly five years. The FBI had at times offered a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Justice Department and FBI officials emphasized that while the pipe bombs were viable and could have caused serious harm, they did not detonate and no one was injured. Prosecutors have said the investigation remains active and more charges could follow as evidence is reviewed. Law enforcement officials held a public briefing after the arrest to outline the case.
The placement of the devices — one outside the DNC and one outside the RNC on the night of Jan. 5 — had fueled years of speculation, misinformation and conspiracy theories about whether the bombs were connected to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack the following day. Authorities have repeatedly said they did not yet have evidence showing the bomber had coordinated with the mob that stormed the Capitol, and investigators continue to probe motive and any links to broader networks.
Background: surveillance images released previously showed a masked individual wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves and distinctive shoes placing backpacks near the two headquarters within minutes of each other. Those images and subsequent public appeals were central to the FBI’s multi-year effort to identify the person seen on camera.
Reaction: The arrest drew attention from lawmakers and commentators across the political spectrum. Some critics who had accused investigators of stalling or misdirection said Thursday’s development raised questions about why a suspect was not publicly identified earlier; FBI and Justice Department officials defended the pace of the probe, saying gathering and corroborating technical evidence in a complex explosives case required time and care.
What investigators say to the public: anyone with information that could help the case is still asked to contact the FBI. The bureau’s published materials on the investigation — including video clips and a reward offer — remain online as officials continue seeking additional leads.
English