DOJ Announces Arrest Of 2021 Pipe Bomb Suspect

WASHINGTON DC—On Thursday, December 4, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia after positively identifying him as the suspect responsible for placing pipe bombs at two federal building in Washington DC.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), on January 5, 2021, video footage captured the image of Cole Jr. placing pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) office located at 430 South Capitol Street. He then did the same at the Republican National Committee (RNC) office located at 310 1st St SE.

On the December 4, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department joined in the press conference announcing the arrest.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro issued the following statement.

“The well-being of our society rests on our ability as law enforcement to safeguard our citizens. When bad actors intervene to disrupt and threat that peace – to destroy the very fabric of our country – we must, we do, and we will track them down and hold them to account for their crimes to the full extent of the law. FBI and members of my office worked around the clock to methodically piece together the clues that ultimately identified the defendant.”

Initially, the FBI offered a monetary reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. In four years, nothing came of it.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi commended FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino for their “persistence and investigative efforts” in bringing the suspect to justice. This arrest has been on the top of the list of Bongino since being appointed to his current position.

“Today’s arrest was the result of good, diligent police work and collaboration on a case that languished for four years under the prior administration, American people are safer thanks to this morning’s successful operation.”

FBI Director Patel elaborated on the arrest.

“The investigation into the pipe bombs in Washington D.C. has been a high priority since Deputy Director Bongino and I assumed our roles nine months ago. Since that time, our FBI teams have gone back over every fact and every data point looking for new leads, and today’s arrest is the result of that outstanding work.

Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities. I would like to thank our Washington Field Office, FBI personnel across the country, and our partners for their hard work and dedication which led to this arrest.”

Bongino said, “This historic arrest shows this FBI delivers on its promises to protect the American people. The pipe bombs could have caused loss of life and injuries as well as property damage.” Bongino, too thanked all who worked alongside him to get the job done right.