Judge orders accused Jan 6 pipe bomber to remain in custody pending trial

In his order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh said that Brian Cole is entitled to the presumption of innocence, like all defendants.

"The Court concludes that the government carried its ultimate burden to demonstrate that there are no conditions of release the Court could impose to reasonably assure the safety of the community," he wrote. 

"The Court understands its 'grave constitutional obligation to ensure that the facts and circumstances of each case warrant this exceptional treatment,'" the judge continued. "But based on the Court's careful consideration of the relevant factors that govern its determination, this case fits that bill."

Undetonated homemade bombs were discovered on Jan. 6, 2021, though prosecutors said Cole denied that his actions were connected to the events at the Capitol that day.

Although he initially denied involvement, prosecutors allege Cole later confessed to placing the devices outside the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters.

Cole also allegedly said he was disillusioned by the election outcome and sympathetic to claims by President Donald Trump and some allies that it had been stolen.

The bombs did not detonate. Cole was arrested in December 2025.