FBI Arrests Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near Political Headquarters

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:39:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After five years of investigation, the FBI has apprehended Brian J. Cole Jr. for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committees prior to the January 6 Capitol riots.

The FBI has arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, in connection with two pipe bombs discovered outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., just before the Capitol riots. This breakthrough comes after a renewed investigation, which included detailed analysis of evidence and data collected over the years. Cole is facing explosive charges, with officials focusing on his financial records showing relevant purchases tied to the bomb-making materials. Authorities are still uncertain about his motives and any connections to the Capitol riots.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI has arrested a suspect five years after an unidentified person placed two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, from Woodbridge, Virginia, was taken into custody on explosive charges. Attempts to contact his relatives listed in public records were unsuccessful.

The quest to identify the bomber has challenged law enforcement, fueling conspiracy theories regarding the events surrounding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots, where a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the building in a bid to overturn the election.

Authorities have attributed the recent arrest to a reinvigorated investigation and fresh analyses of collected evidence. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that there was no new tip that led to Cole, emphasizing diligent police work.

Investigation Details

Investigators have solicited public assistance over the years to identify the individual captured in surveillance footage leading up to the riot.

Utilizing financial records, authorities traced purchases for bomb-making components—items consistent with those used in the explosives—made by Cole between 2019 and 2020. The two explosive devices were approximately one foot long, filled with gunpowder and metal fragments.

Behavior and Background

Cole's vehicle was detected near the site of the bomb placement just minutes before surveillance footage captured the suspect in the vicinity. Investigators also noted aesthetic details about the suspect, including shoe type and general appearance.

The FBI's affidavit stated that Cole’s financial activities linked to the bomb-making materials continued even after the bombings. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are trying to piece together potential connections to the Capitol riot the following day.

Community and Family Insight

Reports from friends and family describe Cole as a quiet and unremarkable individual who lived with his family in a suburban setting. Notably, he had no criminal record and had not participated in voting activities.

As questions linger, including the nature of the motive and overall involvement in the January 6 events, the investigation continues to unfold.