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The man accused of setting off a pipe bomb in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, told investigators he felt compelled to “speak out” for those who believe the 2020 election was stolen and said he targeted the two major political parties because they were in charge of the political system, federal prosecutors said Sunday.
Prosecutors detailed the charges in a memo filed with the Justice Department, arguing that Brian J. Cole Jr. should be detained pending further investigation into the case.
Cole was arrested in Woodbridge, Virginia, after investigators identified him as a suspect accused of placing pipe bombs near the Capitol complex and outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters, marking the first major breakthrough in the years-long cold case.
Sunday’s memo provides the most detailed government account yet, including statements Cole made to investigators according to prosecutors. It also cites evidence such as bomb-making material recovered from his home after his arrest, which authorities say links him to the crime.
DOJ says evidence against J6 pipe bomb suspect was just ‘sitting there’ for years
DC pipe bomb suspect Brian J. Cole Jr. appeared in court for the first time on Friday, December 5, 2025. (Dana Verkauteren)
Unexploded homemade bombs were discovered on January 6, although prosecutors said Cole denied that his actions were connected to the events at the Capitol that day.
Although he initially denied involvement, prosecutors allege that Cole later confessed to placing the devices outside the RNC and DNC.
Cole also reportedly said he was disappointed with the election result and was sympathetic to claims by President Donald Trump and some allies that it was stolen.
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect placing pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC
The Justice Department ordered Brian J. Released new photos of Cole, who was arrested by the FBI for alleged involvement in the DC pipe bomb incident. (Department of Justice)
“In the defendant’s view, if people feel that, you know, something as important as voting in a federal election is being tampered with, you know, being – you know, invalidated, then, like, someone needs to speak out, right? Someone at the top. You know, just to at least calm things down,” prosecutors wrote.
He further stated that when the agents began to answer questions about his motive, Cole explained that “after seeing everything, there was just something bad going on”.
The suspect is seen walking outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters shortly before placing one of two pipe bombs found near party offices in Washington, DC. (FBI)
“The defendant wanted to do something ‘for the parties’ because ‘they were in charge,'” prosecutors wrote. “When asked why he placed the tools on the RNC and DNC, the respondent responded, ‘I don’t really like either side at this point.'”
Prosecutors said Cole also told investigators the idea of using pipe bombs because of his interest in the historical conflict in Northern Ireland.
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Cole’s lawyers are expected to argue against his detention at a hearing Tuesday in federal court in Washington.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
