Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, has been arrested in connection with the pipe bombs planted near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol riot. Cole, described by family members as having borderline autism and a limited understanding of complex situations, allegedly evaded the F.B.I. for nearly five years despite the agency's extensive resources and capabilities.

Court documents indicate that Cole's cellphone was active in the vicinity of the DNC and RNC during the time the bombs were placed, engaging in multiple data sessions with his service provider. This information was available to the F.B.I. shortly after the bombs were discovered, yet it took over five years for the agency to identify and arrest him.

The F.B.I.'s investigation has faced significant criticism for its handling of leads and resources. A congressional report revealed that while the F.B.I. had identified numerous phone numbers of interest early in the investigation, many were not pursued effectively. Additionally, claims of 'corrupted' cellphone data were made by former F.B.I. officials, although the cellphone carriers involved denied any issues with the data provided to the F.B.I.

Despite obtaining thousands of surveillance videos showing the suspect, the F.B.I. has not released any clear images to the public that could aid in identification. Critics have pointed out that the low-resolution footage and potential pixelation effects may hinder public recognition of the suspect.

As the investigation progressed, resources were reportedly diverted away from the pipe bomb case to focus on prosecuting individuals involved in the January 6 events, raising concerns about the prioritization of political narratives over thorough investigative work. The implications of this case highlight ongoing discussions about the F.B.I.'s approach to domestic terrorism and the potential influence of political considerations on law enforcement actions.