Suspect Confesses to Planting Pipe Bombs Linked to Capitol Attack

Fri Dec 05 2025 20:57:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brian Cole Jr., apprehended for placing pipe bombs outside both Republican and Democratic party headquarters before the Capitol breach, admits his actions during interrogations with authorities.

Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old man from Woodbridge, Virginia, has confessed to placing pipe bombs near both the Republican and Democratic national committees in Washington D.C. just before the January 6 Capitol attack. Cole shared his belief that the 2020 election was stolen and expressed support for then-President Donald Trump. Following his arrest, authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind his actions or their links to the Capitol's events. The investigation intensified as federal agents used credit card and phone records to identify Cole as a suspect.

WASHINGTON (RTW News) — The man accused of planting a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of the U.S. Capitol attack has confessed to the act during interviews with investigators, two people familiar with the matter confirmed.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, additionally expressed beliefs that the 2020 election was stolen and shared his supportive views regarding President Donald Trump, according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The emerging profile of the suspect from Woodbridge, Virginia, suggests further complexities that remain undisclosed, particularly what other insights he may have offered while cooperating with law enforcement after his arrest.

As of now, federal authorities have not released further information about a potential motivation, nor have they established a definitive connection between Cole's actions and the Capitol attack on January 6.

Representatives from the federal public defender’s office, which will be defending Cole in his scheduled court appearance, declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. Relatives listed in public records have not responded to requests for comment.

Cole faces charges related to the January 5, 2021, placements of the explosives, which authorities state could have caused significant harm had they detonated. The FBI had previously indicated that both devices were active and could have led to lethal consequences.

The FBI affidavit released on Thursday revealed that investigators tracked Cole through analysis of credit card transactions tied to the purchase of components used in the pipe bombs, along with cell tower and license plate reader data.

This arrest marks a significant development after years of uncertainty surrounding this aspect of the Capitol attack, which continues to loom large in the national consciousness.