Overview
- Brian Cole Jr., 30, was arrested Dec. 4 in Woodbridge, Virginia, and charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and with maliciously attempting to destroy property using explosive materials, with a detention hearing set for Dec. 15.
- Agents conducted an explosives safety sweep at his residence and removed items for forensic testing, including metal paint cans used to secure potential residues and components.
- An FBI affidavit says investigators linked Cole through component purchases, historical cell‑site activity near the DNC and RNC on Jan. 5, 2021, and a license‑plate reader hit.
- Fox News reports he has spoken with investigators and, according to a source, admitted planting the devices and questioned the 2020 election, while family members say he is not politically affiliated.
- A House subcommittee previously detailed 186 phone numbers and 130 devices of interest, and major carriers told lawmakers they did not supply corrupted data, fueling scrutiny of the early investigation.