Brian Cole Jr, the Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) buildings in Washington, D.C., made his first federal court appearance Friday, marking a major development in one of the most high-profile unsolved cases from January 2021.
According to federal authorities, Cole was arrested this week after investigators tied him to explosive devices placed near both political headquarters just one day before the Capitol riot.
He lives with his mother and other relatives and works in the office of a bail bondsman in northern Virginia. The complaint does not specify which bail bondsman employs him.
Cole’s step-grandfather, Earl Donnette, told NBC News in a phone call that he spoke with the FBI about his step-grandson, but declined to comment further.
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Brian Cole Jr Court Appearance
Courtroom observers reported a tense but emotional scene. Cole, 30, appeared before Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya in Washington, D.C. wearing a tan jumpsuit and eyeglasses. He confirmed he understood the charges read to him. He was not shackled during the brief appearance.
