Accused D.C. Pipe Bomb Suspect Says “Something Snapped” DOJ Filing Claims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal prosecutors say Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, has confessed to planting two improvised explosive devices (pipe bombs) outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) on January 5, 2021—the night before the U.S. Capitol attack. In a new court filing, the Justice Department says Cole told investigators that after watching the country’s political climate deteriorate, “something just snapped.” CBS News+AP News
Prosecutors say Cole walked interviewing agents through what he claims he did and why—telling them he believed the 2020 election had been tampered with and that he felt “someone needs to speak up.” Authorities say the devices did not detonate and were later found on January 6, 2021, pulling law-enforcement resources as the Capitol was breached. CBS New
Cole was arrested December 4, 2025, and has been charged in connection with transporting and planting the two IEDs outside the party headquarters, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors are seeking to keep him detained pending trial. Department of Justice
What prosecutors say Cole told investigators
According to the filing summarized by multiple outlets, Cole allegedly said he disliked both political parties and did not consider himself “political,” but became consumed by election-fraud content online after the 2020 vote. He told investigators he felt it was dangerous to dismiss people’s concerns—saying public figures should address grievances rather than label skeptics as extremists.
Prosecutors also say Cole told them he was not specifically targeting the Jan. 6 congressional certification—though the devices were planted on the eve of the certification and discovered the following day.
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Why investigators believe the case is strong
The Justice Department’s detention memo argues Cole poses a safety risk, citing the alleged confession and evidence recovered during searches. Authorities have said bomb-making-related items were found, though prosecutors’ central argument focuses on the alleged admission and the danger posed by the devices—even though they failed to explode.
What happens next
Cole is scheduled for a detention hearing Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025) in federal court in Washington, according to reporting on the filing. His defense team has sought quicker discovery and has pushed for a more expansive hearing that also addresses probable cause.
Key Takeaways
- Prosecutors say Brian J. Cole Jr. confessed to planting pipe bombs outside DNC/RNC HQ on Jan. 5, 2021.
- The DOJ filing says Cole told investigators “something just snapped.” CBS
- The devices did not detonate and were discovered Jan. 6, 2021 amid the Capitol riot response.
- Cole was arrested Dec. 4, 2025 and has not yet entered a plea. Department of Justice
Disclaimer
Legal note: The allegations described above are based on court filings and law-enforcement statements. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.