In a major breakthrough, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday arrested a suspect in the nearly five-year-old case involving pipe bombs planted outside the Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington DC on January 6, 2021. The arrest of Brian Cole Jr brings a dramatic close to one of the most prolonged investigations stemming from the events surrounding the Capitol riot.
Arrest and Scene Details
FBI and law enforcement officials moved swiftly to apprehend the 30-year-old suspect at an address in Prince William County's Woodridge area in Virginia. This location is approximately 25 miles from the US capital city. News channels captured visuals of a heavy police presence converging on the site, which is believed to be linked to Cole. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for close to half a decade.
Family Background and Suspect Profile
Details about the suspect's family have begun to surface following the arrest. Earl Donette, Cole's step-grandfather, confirmed to NBC News in a brief phone conversation that he had spoken with the FBI about his step-grandson but declined to comment further. The suspect's father, Brian Cole Sr, also outright refused to comment on the case.
Information about Cole Jr himself remains limited. However, citing public records, NBC reported that the suspect is a 2013 graduate of Hylton High School.
Neighbourhood Reaction and Suspect's Behaviour
Neighbours of the 30-year-old suspect expressed widespread shock at his arrest, with many describing the area as quiet and uneventful. "I never suspected anything nefarious going on at that house. I haven’t seen anything at all that would cause me concern," one neighbour told NBC Washington. Another described the locality as "sleepytown."
However, some residents pointed towards Cole's reclusive nature. One woman told the New York Post that Cole was "very antisocial" and kept to himself. She noted his routine of walking his dog twice daily to a nearby 7-Eleven store while wearing headphones. Another neighbour echoed this sentiment, stating, "He seemed very quiet. He would never make eye contact. Almost like he just didn’t see you."
Charges and Political Reactions
The specific charges that Brian Cole Jr will face are not immediately clear. He is scheduled to be arraigned before a federal court in Washington DC at 1 pm local time.
Following the arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the development. He framed it as a demonstration of the bureau's capabilities under his and former US President Donald Trump's leadership. Patel attributed the breakthrough in the long-stalled case to "good police work and able, willing leadership."
The arrest concludes an intensive investigation that began when two explosive devices were discovered outside the political party offices on the eve of the January 6 Capitol breach, raising alarms about coordinated threats to democracy.
