New FBI Makes Arrest in January 6, 2021, Pipe Bomb Case

What Happened?

This week, the FBI announced they had made an arrest in the January 6, 2021, pipe bomb case. On the evening before the January 6^th riot at the Capitol, video footage captured an individual planting what appeared to be pipe bombs at both the Democratic and Republican committee offices. According to unnamed law enforcement sources cited by the Washington Post, the suspect’s name is Brian Cole, who is currently a resident of northern Virginia. 

After the bombs were planted, both were rendered safe by local authorities, but according to the FBI had they detonated they could have been lethal. 

Why it Matters

The lack of progress made in the case over the past four years has fueled suspicion and generated accusations that the FBI was in on the bombing attempt, claims the FBI has denied. With video footage of the suspect available, the public expected a quick identification and apprehension of the perpetrator. But because the attempted bombing took place during the pandemic, the suspect was wearing a face mask, which made determining his identity more difficult.

Since pandemic restrictions were still in place on January 6, 2021, someone wearing a face covering would not have aroused suspicion from bystanders because many people at that time wore face coverings or masks. Depending on the type of face mask or covering worn, if enough of a person’s face is obscured it can throw off facial recognition technology making identification much more challenging.

According to the Washington Post, the arrest was made based on a review of already existing information, not the procurement of new information by law enforcement authorities. Little is known about the suspect at this time, but another factor that made apprehension more difficult was the fact that bombs were planted several hours before they were discovered, giving the suspect ample time to flee the scene.

Law enforcement officials have not said they believe the bombing was connected to any other planned attacks against public officials, suggesting this could have been the work of a single individual. January 6^th quickly became politically charged, with Democrats calling it an attack on the capitol and an insurrection while Republicans referred to it as a riot or demonstration that got out of control. Some seven hundred people were convicted of federal crimes in connection with January 6 and nearly all were pardoned by President Trump.

How it Affects You

A conviction in the attempted bombing on January 6^th might help quash some of the more outlandish conspiracy theories still circulating on the internet. Because the suspect placed bombs at both Democratic and Republican committee offices, it is more difficult to attribute his actions to a single political ideology. But even with the arrest, a trial and possible conviction could still be months away.