"According to an affidavit, investigators linked Cole to the bombs through a combination of surveillance footage, historical cell-site data, and years of purchase records showing he bought each major component used to construct the devices. Agents allege Cole acquired the same model of galvanized pipe, matching end caps, and nine-volt connectors, among other items, across multiple hardware stores in northern Virginia between 2019 and 2020."
"Cole continued buying components used in bomb making after his bombs in the Capitol were discovered, agents allege, listing the purchase of a white kitchen timer and two nine-volt batteries from a Walmart on January 21, as well as galvanized pipes from Home Depot the following day. Senior Trump administration officials quickly cast the arrest as a vindication of their own leadership, claiming the case had gone cold."
Federal agents arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, on charges of planting two pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. He is charged with transporting an explosive device across state lines with intent to kill, injure, intimidate, or destroy property, and with attempting to damage the Republican and Democratic national committee headquarters; conviction could bring decades in prison. An affidavit says investigators linked Cole through surveillance footage, historical cell-site data, and purchase records showing buys of galvanized pipes, matching end caps, and nine-volt connectors in northern Virginia between 2019 and 2020. Agents allege he continued buying components after the devices were discovered. Senior Trump administration officials framed the arrest as vindication, and Attorney General Pam Bondi said she hoped it would restore public trust.
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