Overview
- Federal authorities identified the suspect as Brian Cole Jr. of Woodbridge, Va., announcing his arrest and unsealing a criminal complaint in Washington, D.C.
- Cole is charged with transporting an explosive device across state lines and attempted malicious destruction using explosives, according to court papers and DOJ officials.
- An FBI affidavit says investigators linked him to the devices through purchase histories for key components, historical cell-site data near the DNC and RNC, license-plate reader hits, and surveillance video review.
- Officials said the investigation remains active with search warrants underway, no motive has been determined, and the case advanced through reexamination of existing evidence rather than a new tip.
- The two devices were placed on Jan. 5, 2021 and later rendered safe; the years-long probe included a $500,000 reward and unfolded alongside intense public speculation and political scrutiny.