In brief
A Virginia man, Brian Cole Jr., appeared in court on charges related to planting pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters in Washington, D.C., just before the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Cole, who reportedly confessed to the crime, is being held without bail until a hearing scheduled for December 15.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Virginia man made his first court appearance on Friday, facing serious charges for allegedly planting a pair of pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington just before the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. to remain in jail after his arrest on explosives charges. He is scheduled to return to court for a detention hearing on December 15, during which he did not enter a plea.The FBI has identified Cole as a suspect following an analysis of credit card transactions linked to the purchase of materials for pipe bombs, as well as data from cellphone towers and a license plate reader. Sources familiar with the case revealed to The Associated Press that Cole confessed to the act during interviews with investigators, expressing his belief that the 2020 presidential election was stolen and showcasing support for then-President Donald Trump. The ongoing investigation continues to unfold as authorities seek further information.
