Virginia Man Arrested in 2021 Pipe Bomb Case, Neighbors Describe Him as 'Non-Social'

Federal authorities arrested Brian Cole Jr., 30, in connection with the 2021 pipe bomb case outside the Democratic and Republican national party headquarters in Washington D.C. The devices were discovered on January 5, 2021, the night before the U.S. Capitol attack. Cole has been charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials. According to neighbors, Cole lived in a quiet Virginia neighborhood with family members in a single-family home. They described him as 'non-social' and often seen walking his small dog, a Chihuahua, with headphones on. 'He kept to himself, just not somebody that I would pick as somebody who'd want to hurt anyone for any reason,' one neighbor said. Court documents reveal that Cole purchased materials consistent with building pipe bombs between 2019 and 2020. He also bought safety gear and other items in the months leading up to the Capitol attack. A license plate reader and cellphone data helped investigators place Cole in the vicinity of the RNC and DNC headquarters on the night of January 5. The FBI executed a federal search warrant at Cole's home, with neighbors describing a heavy presence of agents in tactical gear. Cole is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday. The motive behind the alleged crime remains unclear, and authorities have not detailed the specific evidence that led to Cole's arrest.