WASHINGTON (AP) — A Virginia man made his first court appearance on charges of planting pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington, just before the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol. Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya to remain in jail following his arrest on explosives charges. He is scheduled to return to court on December 15 for a detention hearing, having not entered a plea. According to an FBI affidavit, investigators identified Cole through credit card transactions connected to the purchase of pipe bomb components, as well as cellphone and license plate reader activities. Sources indicate Cole confessed to the crime in interviews with the FBI, expressing belief that the 2020 presidential election had been stolen and indicating support for then-President Donald Trump. His actions have drawn scrutiny as part of the broader investigation into the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack.
Virginia Man Charged with Planting Pipe Bombs Ahead of Capitol Riot
Virginia Man Charged with Planting Pipe Bombs Ahead of Capitol Riot
Brian Cole Jr. faces charges for planting explosives outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic parties just before the January 6 Capitol attack.
Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, appeared in court following his arrest for planting pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national headquarters on January 5, 2021. His confession and subsequent evidence linking him to the crime have led to federal explosives charges. A detention hearing is scheduled for December 15.
