Overview
- Cole, 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested on Dec. 4 and publicly identified by the Justice Department at a Washington news conference.
- He is charged in federal court with transporting an explosive device across state lines and with attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials.
- Investigators say purchase histories for pipes, end caps, timers, wires, batteries and steel wool, combined with historical cell-site records and a license-plate reader hit, placed him near both party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
- The affidavit states he continued buying bomb-related components after Jan. 6, including a kitchen timer and batteries later that month.
- Officials say both devices were viable; search warrants are underway, motive has not been determined, and prosecutors have not established a direct connection to the Capitol attack after a years-long probe that included a $500,000 reward and a renewed review by new leadership.