Court Hearing for Suspected Pipe Bomber in Capitol Riot Case

Brian Cole Jr., suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington before the January 6 Capitol attack, appeared in court. He faces charges related to explosives. Authorities link him to conspiracy theories spread by Trump regarding the 2020 election. A detention hearing is set for December 15, 2021.

Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old Virginia resident, faced federal charges in a Washington court on Friday for allegedly planting pipe bombs before the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Cole, who has been cooperating with officials, was implicated through conspiracy theories associated with former President Donald Trump and his election claims.

Prosecutors intend to keep Cole in custody until his trial, with a detention hearing scheduled for December 15. Cole's suspected actions included placing bombs near party headquarters in Washington on January 5, 2021. The bombs were later neutralized by police and did not explode, but the incident demanded extensive police resources amid the Capitol chaos.

Uncertainty remains about any direct links between the pipe bomb placements and the Capitol riot. However, Cole's arrest followed renewed investigatory efforts by the FBI. Current legal proceedings emphasize understanding Cole's motives and affiliations, including possible anarchistic beliefs.

(With inputs from agencies.)