Suspect arrested in January 5 DC pipe bomb case

The FBI arrested a suspect in the investigation into pipe bombs planted near the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5.

For years, the person who planted pipe bombs at the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters the night before rioters took over the Capitol remained a mystery.

On Thursday, federal investigators announced a major breakthrough in the Jan. 5, 2021, case.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, was arrested and charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials, according to charging documents filed Thursday afternoon. Attorney General Pam Bondi credited investigators and prosecutors for "sifting through evidence that had been sitting at the FBI."

There were no new tips that led to the arrest, Bondi told reporters at a news conference on the previously stalled case.

"This investigation is ongoing," Bondi said. "As we speak, search warrants are being executed, and there could be more charges to come."