Suspect Arrested

Authorities arrested a Virginia man in connection with bombs found outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters on January 6, 2021.

Context

On the night of January 5, 2021, someone planted two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) in Washington, DC. The devices were discovered the following afternoon as rioters began breaching the US Capitol. Neither bomb exploded, but federal investigators determined both were capable of killing or severely injuring people. The FBI launched an investigation that included reviewing more than 39,000 video files, conducting over 1,000 interviews, and offering a $500,000 reward for information on the suspect.

Arrest Details

Federal officials arrested a Virginia man named Brian Cole, 30, early on Thursday morning, who they believe planted the explosives outside the national headquarters. He faces the possibility of decades in prison if convicted.