Capitol Bomb Plot: Man Charged for Planting Explosives at RNC and DNC Headquarters

Key Takeaways

• Brian J. Cole, Jr., a 30-year-old man from Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested and charged with transporting and planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C.
• The incident occurred on January 5, 2021, and the devices were neutralized by the Hazardous Devices Section of the United States Capitol Police.
• Cole is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property.
• The investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

Introduction to the Incident
The arrest of Brian J. Cole, Jr. has brought to a close a four-year investigation into the planting of two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C. The incident occurred on January 5, 2021, and the devices were neutralized by the Hazardous Devices Section of the United States Capitol Police. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, who was joined by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

The Investigation
The investigation into the incident was a high priority for the FBI, with teams working around the clock to methodically piece together the clues that ultimately identified the defendant. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The FBI’s Cellular Analysis and Survey Team determined that the location of Cole’s cell phone during the period corresponded with the path of the suspect identified by the FBI through analysis of video from that day. Video surveillance determined that the same individual placed the devices on the evening of January 5, 2021, and the suspect was wearing dark pants, a grey hooded sweatshirt, dark gloves, Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes, and a facemask that obscured the person’s face.

The Charges
Cole is charged in a complaint unsealed today with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property. He is also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials. The charges carry serious penalties, and the prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The investigation and arrest demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the American people and bringing those who commit crimes to justice.

The Response from Law Enforcement
The arrest of Brian J. Cole, Jr. has been welcomed by law enforcement officials, who have praised the hard work and dedication of the teams involved in the investigation. "The well-being of our society rests on our ability as law enforcement to safeguard our citizens," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "When bad actors intervene to disrupt and threaten that peace – to destroy the very fabric of our country – we must, we do, and we will track them down and hold them to account for their crimes to the full extent of the law." FBI Director Patel added, "Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest in bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities."

The Significance of the Arrest
The arrest of Brian J. Cole, Jr. is significant not only because it brings to a close a major investigation but also because it demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the American people. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together to prevent and investigate crimes. The arrest also serves as a reminder that those who commit crimes will be held accountable, and that law enforcement agencies will work tirelessly to bring them to justice. As FBI Deputy Director Bongino noted, "The pipe bombs could have caused devastating loss of life and injuries, as well as property damage. I want to thank the FBI employees who worked on this over the years, our law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation, and the American people for the tips they shared with us."