The FBI has arrested Brian J. Cole Jr., of Woodbridge, Virginia, in connection to the pipe bombs placed outside the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters on the eve of the January 6th Capitol attack. This arrest marks a breakthrough in an investigation that has puzzled law enforcement for years, using evidence such as credit card purchases, cellphone tower data, and license plate readers. Authorities are still investigating a possible motive and any connection the act may have had to the Capitol riot. The FBI and Justice Department stated the arrest was the result of a reinvigorated investigation, crediting a fresh analysis of already-collected evidence and data.
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In a significant development, the FBI has arrested a suspect connected to the pipe bombs placed at the Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021. The arrest concludes a lengthy investigation into the incidents which occurred hours before the Capitol riot on January 6th. The suspect, whose motive is still under investigation, has been linked to statements suggesting support for an anarchist ideology. The FBI had previously offered a substantial reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification.
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In December 2023, Virginia resident Brad Spafford was arrested for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, leading to the discovery of over 150 homemade explosive devices—the largest such cache in FBI history—at his home. These devices, including pipe bombs, some labeled “lethal” and preloaded into a vest, were found in a garage and unsecured bedroom, along with unstable explosive material stored near food. The investigation stemmed from a neighbor’s report regarding Spafford’s weapon stockpiling and concerning political statements, including expressing support for political assassinations. Prosecutors argue Spafford poses an extreme danger, while his attorneys contend he is a non-violent family man.
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John Q. Hosedrinker