Gerrard Kaonga
The FBI has confirmed they have arrested a suspect in connection with the pipe bombs that were planted ahead of the January 6 riots in 2021.
They've has released new information regarding the investigation into a plot to set of pipe bombs that were planted outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees. They reportedly did not receive new information or a tip the allowed them to make the arrest, despite a $500,000 reward.
Authorities also stated that the bombs were placed on the night of January 5, 2021, and were only discovered the following afternoon, and that the suspect’s cellphone data showed them near the locations when they were planted.
Thankfully, upon discovery on January 6, the bombs were able to be safely deactivated without exploding.
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The US attorney General Pam Bondi explained that Brian Cole Jr, aged 30, was arrested on Thursday (December 4) without incident in relation to the crime.
He is currently charged with use of an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials. It is not clear whether officials are aware of a possible motive for planted pipe bombs.
In a post on Instagram, the FBI quoted the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, following this arrest.
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He said: “The investigation into the pipe bombs in Washingon, D.C. has been a high priority since Deputy Director Bongino and I assumed our roles nine months ago.
“Since that time, our FBI teams have gone back over every fact and every data point looking for new leads and today’s arrest is the result of that outstanding work.
“Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest in bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities.
“I would like to thank our Washington Field Office, FBI personnel across the country, and our partners for their hard work and dedication which led to this arrest.”
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According to criminal affidavit filed against Cole, seen by the BBC, authorities were able to finger Cole through banking history and the aforementioned cellphone data.
Authorities alleged that Cole had purchased material to make pipe bombs in 2019 and 2020.
Cole’s car, a 2017 Nissan Sentra with a Virginia licence plate was also seen by a licence plate reader less than half a mile from the location where the individual who placed the devices were first seen in the area.
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US Attorney Jeanine Pirro spoke to the press and emphasized just how difficult this investigation was. She noted that both pipe bombs were manufactured using end caps, with Pirro adding there were 233,000 black-end caps of the type involved in the plot.
She said: "It was like finding a needle in a haystack. I want you to think about the act that the FBI had to go through the sale of every one of them."