The FBI has arrested Brian Cole Jr. — believed to be the individual who planted pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Washington, D.C., on the night before the January 6 United States Capitol attack in 2021.
The bombs — which were discovered the following morning and disarmed before detonation — were described by authorities at the time as “viable” and capable of causing lethal harm.
The suspect’s arrest follows nearly five years of investigation, which involved hundreds of tips, thousands of video files, cell-tower data analysis, and even tracking the sale of distinctive shoes worn by the bomber in surveillance footage.
Federal prosecutors have charged Cole with offenses related to the use of an explosive device. At present, it remains unclear whether more charges will follow — and whether investigators have established a motive or direct connection between the bombing and the events of January 6.