WASHINGTON (AP) — 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 confessed to the act during interviews with investigators, according to reports from individuals familiar with the ongoing probe. Brian Cole Jr., aged 30 from Woodbridge, Virginia, allegedly stated he believed the 2020 presidential election was stolen and expressed support for President Donald Trump.
Details from the investigation that emerged after Cole's arrest on Thursday paint a clearer picture of the suspect, although the full context of his confessions and insights into his motivations remain unclear. Federal authorities have yet to publicly disclose a definitive motive connecting Cole’s actions to the Capitol attack on January 6.
The U.S. Capitol Police and FBI have remained vigilant over the incident surrounding the placement of the bombs, considering the potential lethal implications had they detonated. While no injuries occurred before law enforcement safely handled the devices, they note that both explosives could have posed significant risks.
A spokesperson from the federal public defender’s office, representing Cole, has not provided comment on the matter. Attempts to contact Cole's family have also been unsuccessful. An FBI affidavit suggests that forensic analysis, including reviewing credit card transactions for pipe bomb materials and tracking Cole's movements via cellphone and license plates, led to his arrest.
With Cole being the first identified suspect in this enduring mystery, further investigations regarding his motivations and links to the January 6 events are expected to unfold as more information becomes available.
Details from the investigation that emerged after Cole's arrest on Thursday paint a clearer picture of the suspect, although the full context of his confessions and insights into his motivations remain unclear. Federal authorities have yet to publicly disclose a definitive motive connecting Cole’s actions to the Capitol attack on January 6.
The U.S. Capitol Police and FBI have remained vigilant over the incident surrounding the placement of the bombs, considering the potential lethal implications had they detonated. While no injuries occurred before law enforcement safely handled the devices, they note that both explosives could have posed significant risks.
A spokesperson from the federal public defender’s office, representing Cole, has not provided comment on the matter. Attempts to contact Cole's family have also been unsuccessful. An FBI affidavit suggests that forensic analysis, including reviewing credit card transactions for pipe bomb materials and tracking Cole's movements via cellphone and license plates, led to his arrest.
With Cole being the first identified suspect in this enduring mystery, further investigations regarding his motivations and links to the January 6 events are expected to unfold as more information becomes available.
