Investigators Say DNC–RNC Pipe Bomb Suspect Cited Election Lies as Motive

Overview

• Law enforcement officials told NBC News and CNN that Brian Cole Jr. is cooperating and said he believed the 2020 election was stolen, offering the first reported indication of motive.
• Federal prosecutors have charged Cole with transporting and placing improvised explosive devices and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials.
• An affidavit describes credit-card purchases in 2019–2020 of items consistent with the devices’ components, including pipes, kitchen timers and battery connectors.
• Investigators cite cell-site data placing Cole’s phone near both party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, a license-plate reader hit nearby, and surveillance images showing rare Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers.
• The bombs did not detonate, but the FBI has said they were capable of causing serious harm, and a retired FBI official publicly questioned whether the design failed or was a hoax, a point not established by authorities.