A judge ordered Brian Cole Jr. held without bail, citing public safety risks after he allegedly placed pipe bombs near RNC and DNC offices on Jan. 5, 2021.

Citing concerns for public safety, a federal magistrate judge has ordered Brian Cole Jr., who is accused of setting off pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters on January 5, 2021, to be detained until his trial. Given Cole's alleged possession of bomb-making materials, his capacity to make explosives, and his post-arrest behaviors, such as wiping his phone 943 times, Judge Matthew Sharbaugh determined that no release conditions could guarantee safety. Cole admitted, according to the prosecution, that he targeted the parties because he believed in election fraud and wanted media attention. Citing his lack of criminal history and mental health diagnoses, his defense contends that he is not a threat. A federal indictment is still pending, and a two-count indictment was filed in D.C. Superior Court.