DC Pipe Bomb Suspect Claims Trump's Jan 6 Pardon Applies to Him

Lawyers argue explosive devices planted at RNC and DNC qualify for presidential clemency

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Brian J. Cole Jr., the accused pipe bomber who allegedly planted explosive devices at the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on the eve of the January 6th Capitol riot, is seeking to have the charges against him dismissed. His lawyers claim that President Donald Trump's sweeping pardons for January 6th defendants apply to Cole, and that the government's own narrative in the case "inextricably" links it to the events of that day.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and disputes over the scope and application of the controversial pardons issued by former President Trump for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack. It raises questions about how far-reaching those pardons may be interpreted to apply, and whether they could potentially shield even those accused of planning attacks connected to the events of that day.

The details

Cole Jr. is accused of planting explosive devices at the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, the eve of the Capitol riot. His lawyers argue that because the government has tied the alleged crimes to the events of January 6th, the broad presidential pardon issued by Trump on his last day in office should apply. They cite the "timing and location" of the alleged crimes, as well as the claim that Cole Jr. drove to DC "to attend a protest concerning the outcome of the 2020 election."

  • On January 5, 2021, Cole Jr. allegedly planted explosive devices at the RNC and DNC headquarters.
  • On January 6, 2021, the Capitol riot took place.
  • On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued sweeping pardons for January 6th defendants.
  • On March 17, 2026, Cole Jr.'s lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him, citing the Trump pardon.

The players

Brian J. Cole Jr.

The accused pipe bomb suspect who is seeking to have the charges against him dismissed under Trump's January 6th pardons.

Donald Trump

The former President who issued broad pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack on his last day in office in 2025.

David Dempsey

An individual who was sentenced to 20 years for assaults on police officers during the January 6th events, but later received a full pardon from Trump.

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What they’re saying

“The Pardon — like it or not — applies to Mr. Cole, based on the ordinary and plain meaning of the Pardon's language as applied to the relevant facts in this case.”

— Mario Williams and John Shoreman, Defense Attorneys for Brian J. Cole Jr.

“By the government's own telling, this is exactly the kind of case that President Trump's January 20, 2025 Presidential Pardon was invoked to reach.”

— Mario Williams and John Shoreman, Defense Attorneys for Brian J. Cole Jr.

What’s next

The government is expected to challenge the motion to dismiss filed by Cole Jr.'s lawyers, arguing that the Trump pardons should not apply to the alleged pipe bomb plot.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the scope of the controversial pardons issued by former President Trump for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack. It raises questions about how far-reaching those pardons may be interpreted to apply, and whether they could potentially shield even those accused of planning attacks connected to the events of that day.