Nearly five years after a shadowy figure planted two live pipe bombs in the heart of Washington D.C., federal authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect, bringing a dramatic end to one of the most persistent mysteries linked to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The arrest of Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, represents a major breakthrough for a case that has vexed American law enforcement and spawned numerous conspiracy theories. For Kenyans and global observers, it underscores the lingering threats of political violence in established democracies and the immense resources required to bring perpetrators to justice.

A Manhunt Worth KES 65 Million

The investigation culminated not with a dramatic tip, but what officials called “good diligent police work.” For years, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chased thousands of leads, analyzed countless hours of security footage, and offered a staggering reward of $500,000 (approx. KES 65 million) for information.

Investigators painstakingly pieced together a trail of evidence that allegedly led to Cole. According to court documents, authorities traced purchases of components used to build the bombs—including pipes and kitchen timers—back to him between 2019 and 2020. Cellphone data and a license plate reader also reportedly placed him near the crime scenes on the night of January 5, 2021.

High Stakes at Party Headquarters

The two devices were discovered on the afternoon of January 6, 2021, just as chaos erupted at the nearby U.S. Capitol. One bomb was placed in an alley behind the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters, while the other was left under a bench outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) offices.

The situation at the DNC was particularly perilous, as then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the building at the time. She was evacuated by her Secret Service detail just minutes after the device was discovered. The FBI later confirmed that both bombs were viable and “could have been detonated, resulting in serious injury or death.”

• Suspect: Brian Cole Jr., 30, from Woodbridge, Virginia.
• Charges: Transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction by means of an explosive, with more charges possible.
• Timeline: Bombs planted on the evening of January 5, 2021; discovered and neutralized on January 6, 2021.
• Key Evidence: Investigators cited transaction histories for bomb components and location data placing the suspect near the scene.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest, stating the investigation remains active while emphasizing that Cole was apprehended just miles from the capital city he is accused of targeting. As the case moves to the courts, many questions remain about the suspect's motives, but the arrest itself marks a significant step in closing a dark chapter of recent American history.