A Virginia man accused of planting two pipe bombs near political offices has reportedly confessed. He told federal agents he believed Donald Trump won the 2020 election. The details came from law-enforcement sources who spoke with MS NOW.
Suspect Arrested After Long Federal Investigation
Authorities arrested Brian Cole Jr., 30, at his home in northern Virginia. The arrest came after a long federal investigation.
Agents used surveillance videos, cell-tower data, and license-plate records. They also relied on forensic analysis over several years.
Cole admitted placing one device near the RNC building. He admitted placing the second device near the DNC office. Both bombs were found on January 5, 2021. Neither of them exploded.
Officials said Cole described himself as a Trump supporter. He also made comments showing anarchist or anti-government views. These comments created confusion about his true motive.
Investigators Found No Coordination With Capitol Rioters
Federal investigators have not found links between Cole and extremist groups. They also found no evidence tying him to the January 6 rioters.
Officials currently believe he acted alone.
Family Business Previously Fought the Trump Administration
Public records show a complex political background for Cole. He worked with his father in a company called StateWide Bonding, Inc.
The firm focused on helping undocumented immigrants leave federal detention.
In 2018, the business sued the Trump administration. They argued the government used unfair penalties after missed court hearings. They said many hearings lacked dates or times.
A federal appeals court ruled against the company in November 2020. The ruling came shortly before the bomb placements.
Cole’s father continued to challenge government actions later. He appeared with attorney Ben Crump in 2021. They accused Tennessee officials of racial discrimination involving the company’s license suspension.
A Tennessee appeals court later supported the sanctions. The court cited repeated violations and undisclosed financial problems.
Bomb Components Were Purchased Years Before the Election
The FBI affidavit said Cole began buying bomb materials in May 2019. This activity started more than a year before the election.
Prosecutors believe he collected parts slowly over several years. They say he built the devices on his own.
Authorities have not confirmed a clear political motive. They said Cole repeated claims that the 2020 election was “stolen.” His social-media posts mixed pro-Trump content with anti-government themes.
Charges and Upcoming Court Hearing
Cole now faces several federal charges. These charges include transporting explosives across state lines. They also include attempted destruction of property with explosive devices.
He remains in federal custody.
His attorney, John Shoreman, declined to discuss the reported confession. He confirmed Cole will appear in federal court on December 15 for a detention hearing
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