WASHINGTON (AP) — Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees in Washington on the eve of the U.S. Capitol attack, confessed to his actions during interviews with investigators, according to two sources familiar with the investigation. Cole, 30, from Woodbridge, Virginia, expressed belief in the legitimacy of Donald Trump's presidency and stated he thought the 2020 election was stolen.
While the confession provides crucial insights, the full extent of Cole's communication with law enforcement remains unclear following his arrest on Thursday. Federal authorities have not yet revealed the exact motivations behind his actions or whether any connections can be drawn to the January 6 attack by Trump supporters.
A spokesperson representing Cole's legal defense team declined to comment before his court appearance on Friday. Attempts to reach his family members for perspective were unsuccessful.
Cole faces serious charges related to explosives connected to the bombings that occurred on January 5, 2021, near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties. Fortunately, neither bomb detonated, yet the FBI has emphasized that both devices could have been lethal. An affidavit from the FBI detailing the investigation refers to the suspect being identified through credit card transactions linked to the purchase of bomb-making materials and surveillance methods.
This arrest marks a significant development in an investigation that has remained unresolved for almost five years, further complicating the narrative surrounding the events preceding the Capitol riot.
While the confession provides crucial insights, the full extent of Cole's communication with law enforcement remains unclear following his arrest on Thursday. Federal authorities have not yet revealed the exact motivations behind his actions or whether any connections can be drawn to the January 6 attack by Trump supporters.
A spokesperson representing Cole's legal defense team declined to comment before his court appearance on Friday. Attempts to reach his family members for perspective were unsuccessful.
Cole faces serious charges related to explosives connected to the bombings that occurred on January 5, 2021, near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties. Fortunately, neither bomb detonated, yet the FBI has emphasized that both devices could have been lethal. An affidavit from the FBI detailing the investigation refers to the suspect being identified through credit card transactions linked to the purchase of bomb-making materials and surveillance methods.
This arrest marks a significant development in an investigation that has remained unresolved for almost five years, further complicating the narrative surrounding the events preceding the Capitol riot.
