Breakthrough in Capitol Pipe Bomb Case: Brian Cole Jr. Set for Court Appearance

Brian Cole Jr., suspected of planting pipe bombs before the January 6 Capitol attack, will appear in federal court. Authorities connected him to the crime through purchase records, cellphone data, and license plate information. Cole has cooperated with the FBI and believes in conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.

Brian Cole Jr., the alleged pipe bomb planter suspected in the events leading up to the January 6 Capitol attack, will face his first court appearance on Friday. New momentum in the long stagnant investigation has drawn attention, as the Justice Department unveils this major development in a case that puzzled authorities for years.

Cole, who has cooperated with authorities since his arrest, has reportedly held beliefs in conspiracy theories perpetuated by former President Donald Trump. These persistent claims, centered on alleged electoral fraud favoring Democrat Joe Biden, contributed to the Capitol riot led by Trump supporters. Investigators are additionally examining evidence of Cole's potential anarchist leanings.

Authorities have successfully linked Cole to the pipe bombs, which were found outside key political party headquarters near the Capitol on January 5, 2021, via purchase records and technology data. Though the devices were rendered harmless before detonation, their discovery placed significant demands on police resources during an already tumultuous period.

(With inputs from agencies.)