Overview
- Brian Cole Jr., 30, was arrested and charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosives.
- Surveillance footage from January 5, 2021, showed a masked figure placing devices outside the DNC and RNC in Washington, D.C.
- On The Lead, Jake Tapper called the suspect “a white man” before CNN displayed photos showing Cole is Black, and no on‑air correction was noted in the segment.
- Online reaction featured criticism from MAGA influencers and a public defense from conservative commentator Erick Erickson, who argued many people assumed the suspect was white.
- Reporting describes investigators using tools such as cellphone data, vendor subpoenas, and shoe sales records to track the suspect, and Cole was expected to appear in federal court Friday.