The FBI on Thursday (04/12/2025) arrested a suspect in connection with the investigation into an attempted homemade bomb attack on the Republican and Democratic Party headquarters in Washington, the night before the attack on the Capitol in 2021, multiple media outlets reported.
This is the first arrest related to the case in about five years of investigation.
US Attorney Pam Bondi identified the detainee as a Virginia man named Brian Cole Jr.
Bondi said in a press conference that the suspect is accused of using an explosive device. Cole is expected to appear in court later Thursday.
“To be clear, there was no new evidence, no new witness, just good, hard work by the police and the prosecution,” said Bundy, FBI Director Kash Patel and District of Columbia Attorney General Jeanine Pirro.
Investigations are ongoing
The US Attorney added that the investigation remains ongoing and that law enforcement officials are executing other search warrants. He added that more charges could be brought against Cole.
No one was injured in the explosions that were defused by authorities, but the FBI said the explosions could have been fatal.
Kamala Harris, then Vice President-elect, was inside Democratic Party headquarters when the bomb was found outside the building and was evacuated.
On January 6, 2021, a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters attacked Congressional headquarters to attempt to prevent the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Five people died in the riots and one hundred were injured. About 1,500 people were charged or convicted for their role in the attack, but Trump pardoned them last January after returning to power.
mg (efe, nbc news)