The case is set within the broader context of January 6 investigations and prosecutions tied to political violence around the 2020 election.

Investigators detailed Cole’s steps in constructing, transporting, and placing the bombs, including learning to extract powder from a video game and using YouTube science videos for guidance.

Cole shifted from denial to admission after recognizing a surveillance photo of his shoe and clarifying details with investigators.

Initially denying planting the devices, Cole later admitted to being captured on surveillance video; he also minimized any targeting of Congress or January 6 specifically.

Law enforcement traced Cole through cell-tower data and store transactions, with physical evidence and a smartphone displaying 943 wipe attempts found at his home and vehicle.

Evidence tied to Cole includes purchases of bomb-related materials in 2019–2020, transport in a shoebox on Jan. 5, 2021, and phone data placing him near the DNC and RNC on the day of planting.

The admission was disclosed in a court filing on December 28, 2025, with authorities making details public.

Cole initially denied involvement but eventually admitted placing the devices, which were designed to detonate after about an hour but failed to explode; he said he did not intend to kill anyone and planted them at night to minimize casualties.

A court document and a link to the source confession were referenced in reporting.

A pipe-bomb suspect, Brian J. Cole Jr., told investigators that he wanted to speak up for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and that his target was the country’s political parties because they were “in charge.”

Prosecutors filed a detention memo ahead of a detention hearing in Washington, D.C., arguing to keep Cole jailed as the case moves forward.

Federal authorities released surveillance footage and photographs related to the case as part of ongoing investigations.