Feds intensify hunt for answers after arrest of DC pipe bomb suspect

Federal brokers raiding the house of Brian Cole Jr. Virginia investigators accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington on Jan. 5, 2021, carried out a step-by-step operation this week that indicated investigators have revived a case that had seen little motion for years.

Cole was arrested final week in Woodbridge, Virginia, after federal investigators recognized him because the suspect accused of planting the pipe bombs on January 5, 2021, close to the Capitol advanced, the Republican Nationwide Committee (RNC) and the Democratic Nationwide Committee (DNC). His arrest marked the primary main break in a case that had been largely dormant for years.

Retired FBI Particular Agent Jason Pack, who beforehand helped lead Proof Response Groups, advised Fox Information Digital that the search adopted the usual sequence utilized in explosives investigations, beginning with clearing hazards earlier than proof is offered. He mentioned the cautious pacing reveals investigators are treating the case as if it simply occurred.

The operation started with the usual safety screening utilized in federal explosives investigations.

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Brian J. Cole was arrested by the FBI for alleged involvement within the DC pipe bomb incident. (Ministry of Justice)

“Federal brokers are following a deliberate and trusted sequence because the seek for the Woodbridge residence continues,” Pack mentioned. “The presence of explosive ordnance disposal technicians, bomb technicians and specialised Okay-9 groups signifies that security is the primary precedence.”

He defined that investigators should first clear the property of potential explosive hazards to guard personnel and safeguard the accident scene earlier than they will start gathering proof.

One of many clearest indications that work was underway got here from the steel paint cans that officers faraway from the house.

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The FBI is conducting “court-enforced exercise” at a house in Woodbridge, Virginia, after authorities arrested a suspect who allegedly planted pipe bomb blocks from the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 5, 2021, sources advised Fox Information on Dec. 4, 2025. (WTTG)

Packaging: Metallic paint cans are a most popular technique for gathering and transporting suspected explosive supplies as a result of they restrict contamination and defend unstable samples. The cans additionally permit forensic labs to research residues, parts and chemical signatures that might hyperlink a tool to a selected particular person or approach.

As soon as the scene has been declared protected, proof groups can enter the home.

Members of the FBI Proof Response Workforce, guided by a federal search warrant and its attachments, sometimes deal with the subsequent section of the search and use these paperwork to find out what they’re licensed to grab.

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The FBI stormed the home after the suspect’s arrest. (WTTG)

These classes embody explosive parts or precursor chemical compounds; instruments or supplies used to construct harmful gadgets; digital gadgets similar to telephones, laborious drives and laptops; paperwork, notes or digital communications which will display planning, motive or information; and gadgets confirming the identification, occupancy or management of the property.

On this investigation, officers are on the lookout for proof that establishes the intent, functionality and any hyperlinks to the explosives planted on January 5, 2021.

As soon as the proof has been collected, it strikes to the lengthy analytical section of the investigation.

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Sketch of Brian Cole Jr.’s first look in federal courtroom in Washington, DC, Friday, December 5, 2025. Cole is the prime suspect within the DC pipe incident. (Dana Verkouteren)

All seized electronics will endure digital forensics to uncover any communications, search or location information that might reveal planning or coordination. Labs will even study residues or parts to find out in the event that they match the gadgets used on the Capitol advanced, the RNC or the DNC.

Pack mentioned the search in Woodbridge reveals the FBI is treating the investigation as if it has simply begun, which he mentioned may change “your entire trajectory” of the case.

“I used to be the brand new take a look at chilly circumstances, and I handled them as if the crime had occurred that morning,” he mentioned. “The primary investigators typically do wonderful work. A brand new perspective merely asks completely different questions and typically uncovers the small print that finally carry the responsible to justice.”

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The suspect is seen exterior the Democratic Nationwide Committee headquarters moments earlier than planting certainly one of two pipe bombs found close to occasion places of work in Washington, DC. (FBI)

Pack mentioned the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace is liable for acquiring the arrest warrants and courtroom orders that transfer from suspicion to proof.

“As soon as the quick hazard has handed, older circumstances typically find yourself folded within the pile of information dealt with by overworked assistant United States attorneys who’re already juggling their very own emergencies,” he mentioned. “That may delay warrants and subpoenas, not as a result of somebody is dragging their ft, however as a result of they’re drowning in pressing issues.”

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The identical pressures are hitting FBI brokers, Pack mentioned, as new threats emerge every single day and older circumstances are postponed as “investigators run to the sound of weapons.”

“There are solely 12,000 FBI brokers on the planet, and that small group is liable for coping with each menace that comes our method,” Pack mentioned. “When management places new assets right into a trigger, the entire machine turns ahead once more. Daylight discovers what shadows disguise, and a re-examination typically makes all of the distinction.”

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Cole made his first courtroom look Friday after being arrested the day earlier than and charged with transporting an explosive in interstate commerce and maliciously trying to destroy property utilizing explosive materials.

He has spoken to investigators and has reportedly admitted to planting the gadgets and elevating doubts in regards to the end result of the 2020 presidential election, a supply near the investigation advised Fox Information.