Federal prosecutors reveal that Brian J. Cole Jr., the man accused of planting pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, confessed to investigators that “something just snapped” after the 2020 presidential election. Cole, 30, allegedly told authorities he felt compelled to “speak up” for those who believed the election was stolen, targeting the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters because they were “in charge.” His arrest earlier this month brought charges of transporting explosives across state lines and maliciously attempting to use the devices to cause damage.

This new filing from the U.S. Attorney’s office provides the first detailed insight into a possible motive for the pipe bombs, which were discovered shortly before the Capitol insurrection. While authorities had not previously outlined a direct connection between Cole’s actions and the riot, the confession aligns with earlier reports suggesting his belief in conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election results. Cole admitted traveling to Washington, D.C., specifically to plant the devices, not merely to attend a protest in support of then-President Donald Trump.

During his interview, Cole initially maintained he was not an openly political person and that his political views were unknown even to his family. He expressed frustration, stating, “I didn’t agree with what people were doing, like just telling half the country that they… just need to ignore it.” He contended that if people felt their votes were disregarded, “at the very least someone should address it,” but also confessed to disliking both major parties.

Cole initially denied planting the devices but changed his account when presented with a photo of a Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoe, identical to one worn by the suspect in surveillance footage. He admitted to owning such a pair, claiming he had “threw them away” because “they were old and they were coming apart.” After federal agents reminded him of the consequences of lying, Cole reportedly paused for 15 seconds, placed his head face down on the table, and then admitted, “yes,” it was him in the video.

Despite his confession to planting the bombs, Cole denied that the devices were specifically aimed at Congress or intended to disrupt the certification of Electoral College votes. He explained to investigators that the concept of using pipe bombs stemmed from his interest in history, particularly “the Troubles in Ireland,” suggesting a broader, if misguided, historical inspiration rather than a direct tactical link to the events unfolding at the Capitol.

Cole provided investigators with a detailed account of the bombs’ construction, revealing he learned to make the powder from a video game that listed ingredients, supplemented by “science-related videos on YouTube.” He described transporting the devices to Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, concealed within a shoebox in his Nissan Sentra. To evade identification, he wore a mask, hood, and gloves, utilizing Google Maps to pinpoint the DNC and RNC headquarters.

He meticulously placed one device near the DNC, setting its timer to the maximum 60-minute duration, before returning to his vehicle to retrieve the second bomb. He then proceeded to the RNC, where he replicated the process. The FBI later described these devices as “viable,” capable of causing “serious injury or death to innocent bystanders,” though none detonated, averting a potentially catastrophic outcome on a day already fraught with tension.

Forensic evidence gathered by investigators corroborates Cole’s confession. His checking account and credit card statements showed purchases between 2019 and 2020 consistent with bomb-making materials, including galvanized pipes, end caps, battery connectors, kitchen timers, wires, and homemade black powder ingredients. Furthermore, his phone connected to Washington-area cell towers seven times on January 5, 2021, aligning with surveillance footage timestamps of the bomb placements.

A license plate reader also captured Cole’s vehicle exiting I-395 onto South Capitol Street, less than 1.5 miles from the bomb locations, approximately 20 minutes before the devices were planted. Investigators also noted an earlier visit by Cole to the area on December 14, 2020, where he dined at a nearby restaurant, indicating prior reconnaissance. After seeing himself on news reports, Cole admitted to discarding all his remaining bomb-making materials at a local dump.

The Justice Department has requested Cole’s detention pending trial, arguing that he poses an “intolerable risk that he will again resort to violence to express his frustration with the world around him.” Cole is scheduled to appear in court, where these new details will undoubtedly play a significant role in the proceedings surrounding the grave charges he faces.

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Keywords: Jan 6 pipe bomb suspect, Brian J. Cole Jr., 2020 election motive, DNC RNC pipe bombs, January 6 Capitol attack, explosives charges, pipe bomb confession, DOJ filing