Federal Judge Declines Dismissal of Charges in Pipe Bomb Case

A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss criminal charges against Brian Cole Jr., the man accused of placing pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021. The decision comes despite claims by Cole’s lawyers that his actions were closely linked to the events of January 6.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali concluded that President Trump’s pardons were specifically limited to individuals who had already been convicted of offenses related to the Capitol riot. Cole’s lawyers argued that the pardon should apply to him, citing his intent to attend a protest linked to the 2020 election, thus connecting him to the January 6 political controversy. They also noted the bombs were discovered on January 6 after being allegedly planted the previous day.

Judge Ali referenced the language of the pardon, which covers only those convicted of offenses on January 6. Since Cole had not been charged until months after the pardon and was not convicted, the pardon was not applicable to his case. Court documents indicate Cole faced charges last year related to interstate transportation of explosives and attempted malicious use of explosives. The FBI confirmed the viability of the bombs, although they did not detonate.

Additionally, federal prosecutors added charges of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction to the case against Cole. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations.

President Trump issued pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol events, covering offenses such as trespassing and assaulting police officers. The pardon was intended for those convicted of crimes on January 6, not those merely accused.