Overview
- Cole, 30, entered the plea at his arraignment in Washington after a grand jury indictment on interstate transportation of explosives and malicious attempt to use explosives.
- He remains jailed after a magistrate judge found he poses a public-safety risk, with a detention-review hearing set for January 28.
- Prosecutors say Cole admitted in FBI interviews that he planted the devices, voiced belief the 2020 election was stolen, and said he hoped the bombs would draw news coverage.
- Investigators traced purchases and movements using credit card records, cell-site data, and a license plate reader, and allege he continued acquiring components after January 6.
- Defense attorneys contend the devices were incapable of detonating and point to Cole’s autism diagnosis and lack of a violent history in arguing for release.