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DOJ Says D.C. Pipe-Bomb Suspect Confessed, Sought to Hit Parties ‘In Charge’

Prosecutors moved to keep Brian J. Cole Jr. detained pending trial, citing evidence he set one-hour timers on viable bombs outside party headquarters.

Overview

  • In a newly unsealed filing, prosecutors describe a multi-hour post-arrest interview in which Brian J. Cole Jr. allegedly admitted placing the devices and detailed his motive.
  • He allegedly set 60-minute timers and told agents he expected news coverage, with prosecutors saying it was luck, not lack of effort, that the bombs did not detonate.
  • Investigators cite 2019–2020 purchases of components, materials seized from his home and car, cell-site records, surveillance footage, and a license-plate reader hit near the locations.
  • Filings say he denied targeting Congress or the certification on Jan. 6, telling agents he disliked both parties and wanted to “speak up” for those who believed the 2020 election was stolen.
  • A detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday in Washington, where the government argues he poses an intolerable risk if released.