Post by : Meena Ariff

The FBI has apprehended Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, for his alleged involvement in placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee offices prior to the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021.

Cole reportedly spent several months acquiring materials to construct explosives that were found near critical political locations. This arrest signifies a key advancement in a case that had been open and unresolved for almost five years.

Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated that the breakthrough was achieved through rigorous investigation, not new leads or public tips.

Facing two federal explosives charges, Cole is set to appear in federal court this Friday. Law enforcement executed search warrants at his Woodbridge residence, thoroughly investigating the property while donning hazmat suits. Authorities indicated that further charges may be anticipated.

Evidence linking Cole to the pipe bombs includes cell phone data positioning him near Capitol Hill on the evening prior to the attack, security footage of his movements, as well as credit card transactions compatible with the bomb materials. Additionally, a license plate reader detected his vehicle close to the scene.

For years, investigators sifted through countless video files, cell phone records, and retail purchase data, even analyzing the distinctive Nike Air Max sneakers seen on the perpetrator. Despite offering a reward of $500,000 and conducting over a thousand interviews, the investigation had stalled, partially due to poor-quality surveillance and pandemic-related mask-wearing.

There has been notable political interest in the case, with some speculating potential links to the January 6 incident. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that forensic advancements led to Cole’s identification, although he withheld specific details.

“You're not simply going to enter our capital city, plant explosive devices, and evade accountability,” remarked Bongino.

The inquiry continues as authorities work through additional search warrants and assess further evidence.

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