(NewsNation) — The Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs outside Democratic and Republica Party headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot told FBI investigators he believed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to NewsNation.
Brian Cole Jr., 30, spoke with investigators for four hours Thursday and is cooperating with the inquiry. The Associated Press reported that Cole confessed to planting the devices.
Cole made his first court appearance Friday on explosives charges, one day after his arrest ended a nearly five-year investigation into one of the last unsolved mysteries of the Capitol riot. He did not enter a plea.
U.S. Magistrate Moxila Upadhyaya ordered Cole to remain in jail pending a Dec. 15 detention hearing. Prosecutor Charles Jones said the government would prioritize turning over discovery materials, including the four-hour custodial interview conducted Thursday.
DC pipe bomb suspect spoke to FBI for 4 hours
Cole went unidentified for nearly five years because video footage showing him laying the bombs near the Democratic and Republican national committee offices largely shielded his face. Investigators knew the suspect was approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall and wore Nike Air Max sneakers, but had few other leads.
The breakthrough came through what Trump administration officials described as an “aha moment” involving forensic evidence. Investigators reexamined existing evidence rather than relying on new tips, according to an FBI affidavit that detailed analysis of credit card charges for pipe bomb components, cellphone tower data and license plate reader information.
Cole is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and purchased multiple items consistent with components used to make the pipe bombs in 2019 and 2020, charging documents state.
Pipe bombing suspect faces charges
Cole faces two federal charges: transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials. The first count carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence, while the second carries a five-year minimum and up to 20 years.
The pipe bombs were planted Jan. 5, 2021, and sat outside each party’s headquarters for more than 15 hours before police were dispatched. The devices were swiftly disabled after discovery.
At Friday’s hearing, Cole spoke quietly into the microphone, often looking down or at the judge. He said his education ended with high school and confirmed he had retained a defense attorney. As he left the courtroom, family members called out, “we love you” and “we’re here for you, baby.”
The government is seeking to detain Cole ahead of trial.