A federal magistrate judge has ordered that the man accused of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both major US political parties on the eve of the 6 January Capitol riot must remain in custody until his trial.
Court Cites 'Intolerable Risk' to Community
In a recently released memorandum opinion, the court found that Brian Cole Jr, a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, presents an "intolerable risk of danger to the community if released." The ruling grants the government's motion for pretrial detention.
The judge stated that no set of release conditions could reasonably guarantee public safety. This decision came despite defence lawyers proposing strict home detention with GPS monitoring for their client.
Charges and Evidence in the Capitol Pipe Bomb Case
Cole faces two serious federal charges. He is accused of constructing, transporting, and attempting to detonate two improvised explosive devices near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices on 5 January 2021. Although the devices did not explode and were safely disabled by Capitol Police, the suspect remained at large for nearly five years.
The charges carry severe penalties, with one count alone carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence.
Authorities finally arrested Cole on 4 December 2024. During searches of his home, investigators reportedly discovered bomb-making components in a bedroom closet, including metal pipes and wire matching the 2021 devices.
Digital and Financial Trail Leads to Arrest
Substantial evidence links Cole to the crime scene. Court filings indicate his mobile phone connected to cell towers near both party headquarters when the bombs were placed. A license plate reader also captured his vehicle leaving the area that evening.
Prosecutors allege financial records show Cole purchased nearly all the bomb components from retail stores in northern Virginia throughout 2019 and 2020. Notably, he is said to have continued buying similar materials as late as August 2022.
Following his arrest, Cole initially denied involvement during a video interview. However, according to Justice Department documents, after agents warned him that lying was a further offence, he paused for about 15 seconds, put his head down, and admitted he was the person in the surveillance footage.
Cole reportedly told investigators he travelled to Washington to protest the 2020 election result. He stated he targeted both parties because "they were in charge" and expressed his dislike for both.
His defence team has argued that Cole is on the autism spectrum, has no criminal history, and presents no flight risk. The court's detention order, however, underscores the gravity of the allegations as the legal process continues.
