Investigators Pin Arrest In Pipe Bomb Hoax To Suspect’s Father

The arrest of Brian Cole Jr., accused in connection with what authorities are calling an attempted pipe bomb attack at the U.S. Capitol, marks a significant development in a case that had stymied investigators for years.

Federal law enforcement officials announced Friday that they have arrested Brian Cole Jr. on charges including plotting to attack the White House and the Capitol. Cole is accused of allegedly placing two pipe bombs outside the DNC headquarters and near the U.S. Capitol building days before the January 6th Capitol insurrection, aiming to cause mass casualties during President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Cole was apprehended after law enforcement reviewed credit card transactions related to bomb-making materials he purchased online shortly before the attack plan allegedly came to light. Cellphone tower data also played a role in tracing his movements around Washington D.C. on January 5th, which led investigators to focus on Cole Sr., according to an FBI affidavit.

“This is not about politics; it’s about preventing senseless violence,” said Brian Cole Sr.’s attorney Ben Crump following the arrest news, reiterating that his client has always been a law-abiding citizen. The investigation now centers on whether Cole Jr. acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy.

Cole Sr., who previously had legal representation from Ben Crump Law during unrelated matters in Tennessee involving his bail bonding company, emphasized that despite some speculation about potential political motives behind the attacks targeting government buildings and election infrastructure targets ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration, there is no evidence linking them to broader movements or agendas.