A federal magistrate judge denied pretrial release for Brian J. Cole Jr., accused of planting two pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, ahead of the Capitol riot. U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh determined that no conditions could ensure public safety given the severity of the allegations against Cole.
Prosecutors allege that Cole confessed to planting the explosives, intending for them to detonate and attract media attention. The judge noted the potential for catastrophic consequences had the bombs exploded, which could have intensified the sense of terror surrounding a high-security Congressional event, caused significant property damage in Washington, D.C., and endangered lives, including those of DNC and RNC staff and nearby civilians.
Following his arrest last month, Cole reportedly expressed beliefs about a need for justice related to perceived injustices, indicating underlying motivations for his actions. His defense team argued for home detention, noting his clean criminal record and stable living situation while citing mental health issues, such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
They claimed he did not pose a danger to the public. However, prosecutors countered by highlighting that Cole continued to seek bomb-making materials even after the January 6 incident, raising alarms about his impulsivity and unpredictability.
If convicted of the charges, Cole faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years on one of the counts. The court remains focused on public safety and the severity of the situation surrounding the Capitol riot, influencing the decision to keep Cole in custody.
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