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Woodbridge Today
By the People, for the People
Man Charged for Pipe Bombs Before Capitol Riot Seeks Pardon
Attorneys argue Trump's mass pardons should apply to their client's alleged actions on January 5, 2021.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:22pm
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A man charged with planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021, is arguing that President Trump's sweeping pardons for Capitol rioters should also apply to him. Brian J. Cole Jr.'s attorneys claim his alleged conduct is "inextricably tethered" to the events of January 6th and are asking a judge to dismiss the case.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complex legal questions around the scope of Trump's mass pardons for Capitol rioters, and whether they could potentially extend to related crimes committed on the eve of the attack. It also raises concerns about the mental health and potential motivations of the suspect, who has been diagnosed with autism and OCD.
The details
Cole, a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, is accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol riot. The devices did not detonate before law enforcement discovered them on January 6th. Prosecutors say Cole confessed to the FBI, telling agents he felt "bewildered" by election conspiracy theories and "something just snapped." Cole's attorneys argue the government's own case links his alleged actions to the events at the Capitol, and therefore Trump's pardons should apply.
- On January 5, 2021, Cole allegedly planted pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- On January 6, 2021, the pipe bombs were discovered by law enforcement before they detonated.
- On his first day back in the White House last year, Trump pardoned over 1,500 people charged in the Capitol attack.
The players
Brian J. Cole Jr.
A 30-year-old man from Woodbridge, Virginia who has been charged with planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who issued sweeping pardons for rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
What they’re saying
“That is not happenstance sequencing in time. It is the government's theory of Mr. Cole's alleged motive and context. According to the government, the timing was chosen because of what was scheduled to occur at the Capitol on January 6.”
— Cole's attorneys
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Brian J. Cole Jr. out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex legal questions around the scope of Trump's mass pardons for Capitol rioters, and whether they could potentially extend to related crimes committed on the eve of the attack. It also raises concerns about the mental health and potential motivations of the suspect, who has been diagnosed with autism and OCD.
