The face of a man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington has been revealed for the first time
Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested Thursday morning by the FBI after an investigation that spanned nearly five years.
The arrest marks a sudden breakthrough in a case that had long puzzled law enforcement. Investigators struggled to find leads in the shadow of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The attack by supporters of President Donald Trump overshadowed the pipe bombs, and conspiracy theories flourished in the absence of a clear suspect.
Cole’s identity became public as authorities released details about the arrest. Images of him surfaced showing him dressed in a blue shirt and tie, smiling in a photo his mother shared on Instagram for National Son’s Day in September 2024. The picture resurfaced after the arrest, giving the public a first clear view of the accused suspect.
🚨 BREAKING: The face of alleged J6 pipe bomber Brian Cole has been RELEASED.
The media’s not gonna like this one. pic.twitter.com/iRBOK7MUyI
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 4, 2025
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Law enforcement used a combination of investigative techniques to identify Cole. Credit card purchases of pipe bomb components, cellphone tower data, and license plate readers all helped build the case. The FBI and Justice Department emphasized that the breakthrough came from a fresh review of existing evidence, rather than a new tip or witness.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the importance of thorough work. She said, “Let me be clear. There was no new tip. There was no new witness. Just good, diligent police work and prosecutorial work.” Bondi added that multiple agencies collaborated for months to safely and successfully carry out the arrest.
Officials say the Trump administration prioritized the case, which had gone cold during the Biden administration. Bondi described the lack of progress over the years as damaging to public trust in law enforcement.
Cole was charged with using an explosive device and attempting malicious destruction with explosives. Authorities have not yet disclosed his motive or any connection he may have had to the Capitol assault that occurred the following day. Many questions remain as the case moves through the legal system.
The arrest also exposes the unusual public story behind the suspect. While the investigation remained quiet for years, Cole’s family shared casual images of him online, unaware of the ongoing scrutiny. That contrast between private life and serious criminal allegations has drawn attention as details continue to emerge.
Featured image via X screengrab
