Who is Brian Cole? Suspected DC pipe bomber arrested by FBI

FBI takes man into custody over bombs planted before Jan. 6

The FBI arrested a man Thursday in its nearly five-year investigation into pipe bombs planted in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - The FBI arrested Brian Cole, Jr. for allegedly planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C. on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. 

Cole was arrested and charged on Thursday morning with violating 18 U.S.C. 844, which is use of an explosive device, following a nearly five-year investigation.

According to an FBI affidavit, surveillance video shows the same person planting both devices between 7:54 p.m. and 8:16 p.m., and cell-site data from Cole’s phone places him in the same locations at the same times.

Investigators say Cole spent 2019 and 2020 buying components that match those used in the bombs — including galvanized metal pipe, end caps, kitchen timers, wiring, steel wool, and 9-volt battery connectors — from stores across northern Virginia. The FBI also alleges that Cole resumed buying similar parts in the days after the devices were discovered.

A license-plate reader captured Cole’s car less than a mile from where the bomber first appeared on foot, and FBI photogrammetry estimated the bomber’s height as consistent with Cole’s. Both devices were confirmed to be viable improvised explosive devices. 

FOX says Cole was living in Virginia at the time of his arrest on Thursday morning. FOX 5 has confirmed that he was a resident of Woodbridge. No other details were immediately available, including possible charges.

SKYFOX was over a home in Woodbridge on Thursday morning as a large-scale law enforcement investigation unfolded. It is unclear whether the investigation is connected to Cole.

READ MORE: Pipe bomb arrest: FBI takes man into custody over DC bombs planted before Jan. 6, AP source says

DC pipe bomber investigation: FBI search home in Woodbridge

FOX News has identified the man reports say was arrested by the FBI in connection with pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot as Brian Cole. SKYFOX was over a home in Woodbridge, Virginia, on Thursday morning as a large-scale law enforcement investigation unfolded. It is unclear whether the investigation is connected to the suspect in the case.

The backstory:

The pipe bombs were planted on Jan. 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in Washington. No one was hurt before the devices were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both could have been deadly.

In the years since, investigators have asked for the public’s help in identifying a figure seen on surveillance video. They have struggled to answer basic questions including the person’s gender, motive and whether the act was tied to the Capitol riot a day later, when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building to try to block certification of his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

DC pipe bomb arrest: FBI takes man into custody, AP source

The FBI arrested a man Thursday in its nearly five-year investigation into pipe bombs planted in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Looking for a breakthrough, the FBI last January released new details, including an estimate that the suspect was about 5-foot-7 and previously unseen video showing the person planting one of the pipe bombs.

For years, the FBI struggled to identify a suspect despite hundreds of tips, tens of thousands of video files reviewed and numerous interviews.

"Today's arrest happened because the Trump administration has made this case a priority. The total lack of movement on this case in our nation's capital undermined the public trust of our enforcement agencies. This cold case languished for four years, until Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino came to the FBI," said Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday afternoon. "The FBI, along with U.S. Attorney Piro and all of our prosecutors, have worked tirelessly for months, sifting through evidence that had been sitting at the FBI with the Biden administration for four long years. Let me be clear, there was no new tip. There was no new witness. Just good, diligent police work and prosecutorial work." 

Some Republican lawmakers pushed conspiracy theories about the pipe bombs. House Republicans also criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to find the devices for 17 hours.

READ MORE: New video shows DC pipe bomber's route: FBI