Brian J. Cole Jr. was arrested for planting undetonated bombs at DNC and RNC offices in Jan. 2021, citing election fraud beliefs.

Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Virginia, was arrested in December 2025 and confessed to planting undetonated pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committees on January 5, 2021, citing political disillusionment after the 2020 election and a desire to protest both major parties. He told FBI investigators he felt “something just snapped,” was inspired by historical conflicts like the Troubles in Ireland, and did not intend to harm anyone or disrupt the January 6 congressional certification. Prosecutors argue the devices were dangerous and that his actions posed a serious threat, while his defense team will oppose pretrial detention ahead of a December 30, 2025 hearing.