At a Glance
- Judge denies pretrial release of Brian J. Cole Jr., pipe-bomb suspect.
- Cole allegedly planted bombs outside DNC and RNC HQs hours before Jan. 6 riot.
- He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
- Why it matters: The decision underscores the court’s view that Cole poses an ongoing danger to public safety.
A federal magistrate judge on Friday ruled that Brian J. Cole Jr., charged with planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national party headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, must remain jailed before trial. The decision follows prosecutors’ claim that Cole confessed to the attacks and that the bombs could have caused widespread terror. The case highlights the courts’ approach to pretrial release for defendants linked to domestic-terrorism-related offenses.
Judge Orders Continued Detention
Judge Matthew Sharbaugh found that no release conditions could reasonably protect the public from the danger Cole allegedly poses. He emphasized that, had the bombs detonated, the outcome could have been devastating, with significant property damage, serious injuries, or worse. The judge noted that the plan’s potential impact justified keeping Cole in custody.
Judge Matthew Sharbaugh stated:
> “Mercifully, that did not happen. But if the plan had succeeded, the results could have been devastating, creating a greater sense of terror on the eve of a high-security Congressional proceeding, causing serious property damage in the heart of Washington, D.C., grievously injuring DNC or RNC staff and other innocent bystanders, or worse.”
Background of the Charges
Prosecutors say Cole planted two pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters only hours before a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. Cole told investigators he hoped the explosives would detonate and that “there would be news about it.” He also claimed he wanted to speak up for those who believed the 2020 election was stolen.
- Planting of bombs at RNC and DNC HQs
- Confession to FBI: “something just snapped”
- Continued purchase of bomb-making components after Jan. 6
Defense’s Request for Home Detention
Cole’s attorneys requested release on home detention with GPS monitoring, arguing he has no criminal record, is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and lives with his parents in Woodbridge, Virginia. They contend that he does not pose a danger to the community. The court rejected these arguments, citing Cole’s recent behavior and the potential for repeat impulsive conduct.
Judge’s Rationale
Judge Matthew Sharbaugh wrote that the sudden and abrupt motivation behind Cole’s alleged actions raises concerns about how quickly the same impulsive conduct might recur. He concluded that the risk to public safety outweighs any theoretical or backward-looking concerns. The decision keeps Cole in custody until trial.
| Charge | Potential Sentence | Mandatory Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe bomb planting (RNC & DNC) | Up to 20 years | 5 years |
| Other federal charge | Up to 10 years | – |
Key Takeaways
- Brian J. Cole Jr. remains jailed pending trial.
- Prosecutors allege he planted bombs hours before Jan. 6.
- The judge cited potential for devastating impact and impulsive conduct as reasons for denial of release.
The ruling underscores the seriousness with which courts treat domestic-terrorism-related offenses, keeping suspects in custody until their cases are resolved.
