A federal judge has ruled that the individual accused of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic parties in Washington, D.C., will remain in custody until his trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh emphasized that Brian Cole, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“The Court finds that the government has met its burden to prove that no release conditions can sufficiently ensure community safety,” the judge stated.

Judge Sharbaugh further explained, “The Court acknowledges its significant constitutional duty to verify that each case justifies such exceptional measures. After thoroughly evaluating all relevant factors, this case meets that standard.”

The FBI executed search warrants on Thursday at the residence of Brian Cole Jr., who is charged with placing pipe bombs near the Capitol complex and the RNC and DNC offices on January 5, 2021. (Sources: WTTG; Department of Justice)

Federal prosecutors have argued for Cole’s detention, citing his continued acquisition of bomb-making materials up until at least August 2022 as evidence of the threat he poses to the community.

Defense attorneys said there was no evidence that Cole would pose a danger going forward, noting that he has not done anything to harm the community in the last five years, Fox 5 D.C. reported.

Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows the suspected D.C. pipe bomber walking near the DNC on Jan. 5, 2021, alongside a photo of accused suspect Brian Cole Jr., who was ordered held while awaiting trial.  (Department of Justice)

Undetonated homemade bombs were discovered on Jan. 6, 2021, though prosecutors said Cole denied that his actions were connected to the events at the Capitol that day.

Although he initially denied involvement, prosecutors allege Cole later confessed to placing the devices outside the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters.

Cole also allegedly said he was disillusioned by the election outcome and sympathetic to claims by President Donald Trump and some allies that it had been stolen.

Cole was arrested in Virginia after investigators identified him as the suspect accused of placing pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol complex and outside the RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

The bombs did not detonate. Cole was arrested in December 2025.