From NBC News: The Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs at the nation’s capital on Jan. 5, 2021, is requesting a conditional release from jail as his attorney cites his autism diagnosis.
Federal prosecutors allege that Brian Cole, 30, is the man who planted explosive devices at the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters the night before rioters swarmed the Capitol. He has been in custody since he was arrested Dec. 4, when he was charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials.
Cole has not yet entered a plea.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh declined to rule on whether Cole would be released Tuesday, telling both parties there were “important arguments under consideration.” Neither Cole nor the several members of his family at the hearing reacted to Sharbaugh’s announcement.
Cole’s attorneys stated in a federal court filing on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a “mild form of autism.”
The attorneys argued that Cole should be released as he “doesn’t pose an ongoing threat to the community.”
Cole reportedly confessed to having planted the pipe bombs in an interview with FBI agents.
READ MORE from NBC News.
The J6 pipe bomb suspect has autism and OCD, according to court filings.
Brian Cole Jr is arguing in court that he shouldn’t be held prior to his criminal trial.
This would make sense since he was “on the run” for years and has never been accused of any other crimes. pic.twitter.com/TUHb0oNBcC
— Breanna Morello (@BreannaMorello) December 30, 2025
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
