FILE PHOTO: A suspect in the planting of explosive devices near the Democratic and Republican committee headquarters in Washington is seen in this still frame taken from video released on March 9, 2021. FBI/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
(Washington D.C.) – An arrest has been made in a 5-year long investigation dating back to January 2021. Two pipe bombs were discovered near the Republican National Convention headquarters and the HQ for the Democratic National Convention at the time of the January 6th Capitol riot. Neither device detonated but After the decade spanning half of a decade, authorities announced the arrest of Brian Cole Jr. This is what we know so far after his first court appearance on Friday:
How Cops Figured it Out
Investigators looked at a slew of records from purchases to cell phone data to track each move leading up to the unsuccessful pipe bomb plot. A license-plate reader captured Cole’s car less than a mile from where the bomber first appeared on foot, and FBI agents found the potential bomber’s height as consistent with Cole’s. The suspect also left a lengthy paper trail of purchases that was later linked to parts of the improvised explosive devices including electrical wire bought from Home Depot and a kitchen timer from Walmart. Federal officials said there was no new tip or evidence that came in that cracked the case, rather a renewed effort under the new administration.
Cole’s Political Motivations
The motivations for the thwarted attack remain unclear. Cole’s family has refused to talk to the media, and local residents who knew him say he was a quiet man. Cole is currently facing one count of unlawfully transporting an explosive device and a second count of malicious destruction. The first count carries a penalty of 10 years behind bars, while the second can put you in prison for five to 20 years. This past week, CNN and NBC News reported that Cole told FBI agents he believed the 2020 election was stolen from President Trump. Cole was arraigned in his first court appearance on Friday and was ordered to remain behind bars for at least another 10 days.
Bongino Brushes Off Past Conspiracy Claims
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino was dismissing claims he previously made about the pipe bomb being investigated, now that he is a card carrying member of the federal government. Sean Hannity of Fox News refreshed Bongino’s memory of when he claimed the case was being covered up by law enforcement. Following the arrest of Cole, Bongino now says that he was previously paid for his opinions as a political commentator, but now that he works in the FBI, he bases his investigations on the facts.
Read the full criminal complaint here.
