Overview
- Brian Cole Jr. asked a federal judge to throw out his case, arguing his alleged actions are “inextricably” linked to the January 6 events covered by the presidential pardons.
- Prosecutors allege he placed viable pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on January 5, with their discovery on January 6 pulling police resources from the Capitol.
- Trump’s order grants relief for offenses “related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” and instructs DOJ to seek dismissals for those not yet convicted.
- Cole was arrested in December, pleaded not guilty in January to transporting and attempting to use explosives, and remains detained after a judge found he posed a potential danger.
- Investigators say phone records and security footage align with the bomber’s movements, while the defense disputes the devices’ ability to detonate and cites diagnoses including autism.