WASHINGTON (AP) — A Virginia man made his first court appearance on charges that he planted a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob. U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered Brian Cole Jr. to remain in custody following his arrest on explosives charges, with a detention hearing scheduled for December 15. During his court appearance, Cole did not enter a plea.
According to an FBI affidavit, investigators were able to identify Cole as a suspect by analyzing credit card transactions connected to the purchase of materials used in constructing the pipe bombs, alongside data from cellphone towers and a license plate reader. Reports indicate that Cole, 30, confessed to his actions during interviews with law enforcement, where he shared views that aligned with former President Donald Trump's claims regarding the 2020 election being stolen. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
According to an FBI affidavit, investigators were able to identify Cole as a suspect by analyzing credit card transactions connected to the purchase of materials used in constructing the pipe bombs, alongside data from cellphone towers and a license plate reader. Reports indicate that Cole, 30, confessed to his actions during interviews with law enforcement, where he shared views that aligned with former President Donald Trump's claims regarding the 2020 election being stolen. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
