Federal agents arrested Brian Cole, accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices the night before the January 6 Capitol riot. Cole lived in Woodbridge, Virginia. On January 5, 2021, Cole allegedly placed two homemade pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters. The bombs used 1×8‑inch metal pipes, homemade black powder, and kitchen timers. Neither bomb exploded but could have caused serious harm. Surveillance showed a man with Nike shoes, a dark hoodie, and glasses carrying a backpack with the bombs. The FBI found and safely removed them. For nearly five years, authorities could not identify Cole from low-quality footage despite a $500,000 reward. Investigators checked thousands of videos, interviewed many witnesses, and tracked digital data. Lawmakers questioned why the bombs stayed undetected for almost 17 hours. The FBI kept releasing new images, estimating the suspect was about 5'7" tall. The break came in December 2025 when forensic evidence linked Brian Cole to the crime. Police searched his Woodbridge home and arrested him without trouble. Formal charges are not announced yet. Officials say the arrest ends one of the longest mysteries tied to the January 6 riot.