Judge rejects DNC, RNC pipe bombing suspect's pre-trial release request

A federal judge in Virginia on Thursday rejected Brian Cole Jr.'s request for release ahead of his trial for allegedly planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in 2021.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, ruled Cole must remain locked up while awaiting trial given the nature of the charges, according to The Hill. 

The ruling upheld Judge Matthew Sharbaugh's earlier order for Cole's continued incarceration, indicating that Cole's freedom would present a safety risk.

No trial date has been set so far, but Cole is expected to appear back in court on Feb. 27. 

Cole was arrested by federal authorities last month following a probe that lasted nearly five years. He has been charged with placing a pipe bomb and the use of an explosive device. He has pleaded not guilty.

Cole's lawyers have argued 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.

Prosecutors have argued that Cole still presents a danger because he ordered materials used to make explosives through the summer of 2022 and materials for explosive devices were found in his car and home during his arrest.

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