OAN Staff Cory Hawkins
6:49 PM – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Brian Cole Jr., the Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) on January 5, 2021 — the night before the January 6th Capitol protest — appeared in federal court for a detention hearing to determine whether he should remain in jail pending trial.
The hearing took place over two days in Washington, D.C., beginning on Monday, when Cole made his initial appearance, continuing through Tuesday for additional testimony. The hearing followed Cole’s arrest earlier this month and came after a five year investigation into the pipe bomb incident.
The delay reportedly stemmed from the “complexity” of the case, with investigators sifting through massive amounts of data including cellphone provider records, credit card transactions, and surveillance footage.
He appeared in court on Monday wearing a tan prison jumpsuit and glasses, only looking at the floor or up at the judge. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh, who presided over the hearing, did not rule on whether to release Cole from custody, but stated he would do so “expeditiously.”
A grand jury indicted Cole on two federal charges, including one count of a federal crime of terrorism.
The government argues that Cole should be held because he presents a danger to the community, as he continued to purchase bomb ingredients until at least August 2022, more than a year and a half after he allegedly placed the homemade explosives outside the RNC and DNC HQs.
The full charges include transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by explosive materials, with one count carrying a sentence of five years and both potentially resulting up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors also argue that Cole was still in possession of those materials, including some in his car, when he was arrested.
Cole’s defense attorneys responded by arguing that Cole would not be a danger going forward, and claimed that he has not done anything else to harm the community in the last five years.
Evidence of ongoing purchases via credit card showed transactions of galvanized pipes, end caps, 9-volt batteries, kitchen timers, and electrical wires. These components match those used in the 2021 devices.
Cell phone location records also placed Cole’s phone near the RNC and DNC sites during the D.C. protests.
In their filing, Cole’s defence attorneys submitted several character letters stating the actions are “not like him.” Cole’s mental health was highlighted, noting that he has no prior criminal record, has a job, and that no one was physically harmed.
The judge appeared to consider ordering Cole’s release with strict guidelines that includes house arrest, ankle monitoring, and having a third-party custodian who is vetted by the court.
Cole’s attorney volunteered Loretta, his grandmother who lives in a gated community in Gainesville, Virginia, as the custodian. Loretta took the stand in court on Tuesday and agreed to house Cole after confirming that she would be able to report any violations to the court and that she planned to get rid of her husband’s firearm, which is located in the house.
Loretta promised the judge that she was doing the right thing, as her husband, who also lives in the house, is a former federal law enforcement officer.
The judge said he would make his decision in the next day or so.
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