A man from Virginia has entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges alleging he placed two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of America's two main political parties on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot.
The Charges and Court Appearance
Brian J. Cole Jr., 38, of Woodbridge, Virginia, made his plea during a brief hearing on Friday, 9 January 2026. He faces two serious counts: transporting explosives and attempting to use them. The devices were discovered outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee buildings in Washington D.C. on 5 January 2021, just one day before a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol.
Prosecutors Outline Alleged Motive and Confession
According to court documents filed by Justice Department prosecutors, Cole confessed to investigators after his arrest last month. He allegedly stated he planted the bombs because he felt someone needed to "speak up" for individuals who believed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump.
Prosecutors wrote that Cole told them he targeted the national parties because they were "in charge." He also admitted he hoped the devices would detonate and that he "hoped there would be news about it," indicating a desire to draw maximum attention to his actions.
Potential Severe Penalties Upon Conviction
The legal consequences for Cole are severe if he is found guilty. He faces the following potential sentences:
- Up to 10 years imprisonment on one charge of transporting explosives.
- Up to 20 years imprisonment on the second charge of attempting to use them, which also carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
The case continues to underscore the lasting legal fallout from the events surrounding January 6, 2021, with this prosecution focusing on a potentially violent plot that preceded the riot itself.
