Brian J. Cole Jr., a man from Woodbridge, Virginia, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges following allegations that he planted two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters shortly before the events on January 6, 2021, that culminated in the Capitol breach. During a brief court hearing on Friday, Cole formally denied accusations that he transported and attempted to use explosive devices.
Prosecutors from the Department of Justice stated that Cole admitted to deploying the devices just hours before a group of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol. Court documents reveal Cole’s expressed intent that the pipe bombs would explode and that their detonation would capture public and media attention.
Following his apprehension last month, investigators reported that Cole conveyed a belief that he needed to "speak up" on behalf of individuals who purportedly felt the 2020 presidential election—won by Joe Biden—had been fraudulently decided. His apparent motivation for targeting the political parties’ national headquarters was rooted in their perceived positions of authority in governmental affairs, according to statements cited by prosecutors.
The charges brought against Cole include two counts: transportation and attempted use of explosives. If convicted, the repercussions could entail up to 10 years imprisonment associated with one offense and up to 20 years for the other. Additionally, one of the charges carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years behind bars.