Brian Cole Jr., 30, the man accused of placing two pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters just before the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, told the FBI that he believed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Cole is cooperating with authorities and is expected to appear in court for the first time on Friday. He was charged Thursday with transporting explosive devices and attempted malicious destruction using explosives, according to court documents.
Investigators say the pipe bombs were placed near the RNC and DNC on Jan. 5 and were discovered the day of the Capitol riot. Cole’s motive has not been publicly confirmed, though his statements to the FBI indicate belief in false claims that the 2020 election was “rigged.” Former President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed victory in that election, received roughly 74 million votes to Joe Biden’s 81 million. Trump’s actions and statements about the election were cited in a prior investigation as inspiring supporters to commit acts of violence. The investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the election has concluded, with some charges dropped following his 2024 election victory, though investigators noted that sufficient evidence existed at the time to pursue convictions.