A federal judge ruled that the man accused of planting pipe bombs near party headquarters ahead of the Jan. 6 Capitol protest will remain detained, citing strong evidence and the potential severity of the alleged plot.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A federal judge on Friday ordered that Brian Cole, the man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol protest, remain in custody without bail as his case proceeds.
U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ruled that Cole, 30, should be held pending trial on two explosives-related charges tied to the placement of pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters. Cole has not yet entered a plea.
In his ruling, Sharbaugh said the government’s evidence against Cole was strong and emphasized that the alleged actions created fear and alarm ahead of Congress’ certification of the 2020 presidential election, even though the devices did not detonate.
“If the plan had succeeded, the results could have been devastating,” Sharbaugh wrote, citing the risk of widespread terror on the eve of a high-security congressional proceeding, serious property damage in central Washington, and potential grave injuries or deaths among party staff and bystanders.
During a Dec. 30 detention hearing, Cole’s attorney urged the court to release him under strict conditions, arguing that Cole has no prior criminal record and has strong family support. The defense also said an expert witness was prepared to testify that the devices were incapable of detonating, a claim that contradicts findings by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has concluded the pipe bombs were viable.
Federal prosecutors, however, said in court filings that Cole confessed to planting the devices. According to investigators, Cole told authorities after his arrest that he believed the 2020 election had been “tampered with.” At the time, Donald Trump had publicly claimed the election was fraudulent after losing to Joe Biden, allegations that were repeatedly rejected by courts and election officials.
Prosecutors also said Cole told investigators he did not support either political party.
The pipe bombs were discovered around 1 p.m. on Jan. 6, diverting law enforcement resources just as a crowd of Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol. Authorities have said the timing and placement of the devices posed a significant threat during one of the most sensitive moments of the day.
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