Overview
- A Justice Department memo says Brian J. Cole Jr. admitted placing the devices and said he felt compelled to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and to target parties he viewed as “in charge.”
- Cole denied directing his actions at Congress or the Jan. 6 proceedings, and officials say the homemade bombs were found on Jan. 6 and did not detonate.
- Agents say bomb-making equipment was recovered at his home following his Dec. 4 arrest, and a forensic review found 943 factory resets on his phone beginning Dec. 15, 2020.
- According to the memo, Cole told investigators he learned about black powder ingredients from a video game, watched science videos on YouTube, and used Google Maps to check the locations.
- He is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction, with a detention hearing set for Dec. 30 in Washington federal court.