Overview
- Brian J. Cole Jr. is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, along with malicious destruction or attempted malicious destruction.
- Prosecutors say the case draws on an FBI affidavit describing purchases of bomb components, cell‑site records near the DNC and RNC, and a license‑plate reader hit.
- Media reports claim Cole confessed and identified as a Trump supporter with anarchist views, while his grandmother publicly denies he has any political affiliation.
- Cole has not entered a plea and remains detained pending a court hearing scheduled for December 15 in Washington, D.C.
- The devices were placed outside the DNC and RNC on the night of January 5, 2021, did not detonate, and the charges carry the potential for up to 20 years in prison.