The man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on the eve of January 6, 2021, has admitted to the crime, telling investigators “something just snapped” before he decided to target both political parties.
Brian Cole confessed to planting the bombs after initially denying involvement, according to court documents filed Sunday.
The documents show that Cole told investigators he was not motivated by the certification of Joe Biden when he planted the bombs. Records show he was angry with both parties.
Cole initially denied planting the pipe bombs. However, he later waived his right to remain silent and spoke at length with investigators, the documents show.
Cole told investigators that “something just snapped,” and that he believed everything would get worse, prompting him to target both political parties, according to court documents.
Investigators said Cole was inspired by the Troubles, a violent period in Northern Ireland that saw numerous terrorist bombings from the late 1960s through 1998.
His charges include 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 was also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials.
The pipe bombs planted outside the RNC and DNC on January 5, 2021, represented one of the most alarming security failures surrounding the January 6 Capitol attack. The devices were viable explosives that could have killed or maimed anyone nearby when they detonated.
The bombs were discovered before they exploded, but their presence forced evacuations and diverted law enforcement resources at a critical moment when the Capitol itself was under assault. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC building when the bomb was found nearby.
Cole’s confession comes more than three years after the bombings, following an extensive FBI investigation that included analysing thousands of hours of surveillance footage and pursuing countless leads. The suspect’s identity remained unknown for years despite the bureau releasing video of a person in a hoodie and mask placing the devices.
The “something just snapped” explanation suggests a sudden break from rationality rather than long-term planning, though the act of building functional pipe bombs and placing them at specific political targets demonstrates premeditation and technical knowledge.
Cole’s claim that he wasn’t motivated by Biden’s certification but rather by anger at both parties distinguishes his stated motive from many January 6 participants who were explicitly trying to prevent the electoral vote count. His bipartisan targeting suggests broader anti-government sentiment.
The inspiration from the Troubles in Northern Ireland indicates Cole studied historical terrorist tactics. The Troubles saw the Irish Republican Army and loyalist paramilitaries plant hundreds of bombs over three decades, killing thousands. Drawing inspiration from that conflict suggests ideological education in political violence.
The charges Cole faces carry severe penalties. Transporting explosives in interstate commerce with intent to kill or injure is a federal crime that can result in life imprisonment. The attempted malicious destruction charge adds additional potential prison time.
Cole initially denying involvement before confessing follows a pattern common in criminal investigations where suspects test whether authorities have sufficient evidence before admitting guilt. His decision to waive his right to remain silent and speak at length suggests either a desire to explain his actions or a belief that cooperation might mitigate his sentence.
The January 5 timing, planting bombs the night before the Capitol attack, raises questions about whether Cole had knowledge of the planned assault on the Capitol or whether the timing was coincidental. If he knew about January 6 plans, the bombs could have been intended to create chaos supporting the Capitol breach.
