Overview
- The grand jury returned a superseding indictment Wednesday that adds attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and committing an act of terrorism while armed.
- Prosecutors say Brian Cole Jr. placed two pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on Jan. 5, 2021, and the FBI said the devices were viable before they were made safe.
- Investigators say Cole gave a 90-minute post-arrest statement that detailed how he built, moved, and planted the devices.
- Cole remains in custody after pleading not guilty to the original counts, and he has not yet been arraigned on the new indictment.
- His lawyers seek dismissal under Trump's Jan. 6 clemency proclamation, which DOJ argues does not apply because he was not charged or convicted by Jan. 20, 2025 and the alleged placement occurred the night before.