“Brian J. Cole, Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested this morning and charged for transporting and planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on January 5, 2021, at the headquarters of both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C.,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced. “Cole is charged in a complaint unsealed today with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property.”
“He is also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials,” the office added.
According to federal officials, the charges stem from the discovery of two IEDs at the national party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. Senior federal law enforcement leaders joined in the announcement, including the U.S. Attorney General, FBI Director, FBI Deputy Director, and Metropolitan Police Chief.
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