Judge Denies Pretrial Release for Man Accused of Planting Pipe Bombs Before Capitol Riot

A federal magistrate judge has denied pretrial release for Brian J. Cole Jr., who is charged with planting two pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, the eve of the Capitol riot. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ruled that Cole should remain in jail, stating that no release conditions would adequately protect the public from the danger he poses. Prosecutors allege that Cole confessed to the act, expressing his hope that the bombs would detonate and garner media attention. Though the bombs did not explode, the judge emphasized the potentially devastating impact if they had. Cole reportedly claimed he acted to "speak up" for those who believed the 2020 election was stolen and targeted political parties for being "in charge." Defense attorneys argued for Cole’s release to home detention, citing his clean record, stable home environment, and mental health diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder and OCD. However, prosecutors noted that Cole continued acquiring bomb-making components after January 6. The judge cited concerns about the unpredictability and impulsiveness of Cole’s behavior in upholding his detention. If convicted, Cole could face 10 to 20 years in prison, including a mandatory five-year minimum sentence on one charge.