Judge Denies Release of Man Accused of Planting Homemade Bombs

A man accused of planting two homemade bombs remains in custody ahead of trial

A federal judge in the United States has denied early release for 30-year-old Brian Cole, who is accused of planting two homemade bombs outside the Democratic and Republican Party headquarters, one day before the Capitol disturbances on January 6, 2021. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh determined that there are no conditions of release that would reasonably ensure the public's protection from the danger Cole poses.

Prosecutors from the Department of Justice state that Cole confessed to placing the bombs a few hours before supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Cole reportedly expressed hopes that the explosives would detonate, saying he “hoped to make news” from the incident. “Fortunately, this did not happen,” Judge Sharbaugh wrote in his decision. “But had the plan succeeded, the outcomes could have been devastating,” he added, emphasizing a heightened sense of terror in the context of a high-security congressional procedure.

Following his arrest, Cole told investigators that he believed someone needed to “make themselves heard” on behalf of those who thought the 2020 elections, won by Democrat Joe Biden, were stolen. His attorneys requested his release to home confinement with GPS monitoring, arguing that Cole has no criminal record and resides in a stable home with his parents.

However, prosecutors noted that Cole continued to purchase components for bomb-making even after the events of January 6. The judge expressed reservations about Cole's motivations, pointing out that his supposed sudden and abrupt actions raise concerns about the possibility of similar behavior recurring.