In brief
Brian J. Cole Jr., charged with placing pipe bombs near political party headquarters, will remain in custody after a judge ruled no release conditions can adequately protect the public. Cole has pleaded not guilty and faces significant prison time if convicted.
A federal judge has refused to order the pretrial release of Brian J. Cole Jr., who is charged with placing two pipe bombs near the national headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties on the eve of the January 6 Capitol attack. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali upheld previous decisions asserting that Cole presents a significant danger. The 30-year-old has been diagnosed with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder and has no prior criminal record. Prosecutors state he confessed to attempting an extraordinary act of political violence, stating he was disturbed by the response of both party leaders regarding the 2020 presidential election. Despite defense arguments about the viability of the bombs, Cole remains in detention, facing up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
