Alleged DC pipe bomber pleads not guilty to federal explosive-related charges

Cole was arrested by federal authorities last month following a massive probe that lasted nearly five years. He has been charged with placing a pipe bomb and the use of an explosive device.

By Misty Severi

Published: January 9, 2026 5:35pm

Alleged January 6 pipe bomber Brian Cole Jr. pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to two charges related to the planting of pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in 2021.

Cole was arrested by federal authorities last month following a massive probe that lasted nearly five years. He has been charged with placing a pipe bomb and the use of an explosive device. Neither of the explosives were detonated.

The plea, which was made at a DC federal court, comes after a magistrate judge ruled last week that Cole must be detained until his trial, indicating that Cole's freedom would present a safety risk.

Cole's lawyers previously argued that their client should not be kept in custody while awaiting a trial because he has lived "without incident" for the past four years. They also claimed their client has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1, and obsessive compulsive disorder, which would make prison difficult.

Cole's next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28, according to CNN.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.