Judge Rejects Dismissal of Charges in Pipe Bomb Planting Case Amid Jan. 6 Pardons

On July 6, a federal judge ruled against dismissing criminal charges against Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committees before the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali stated that President Trump’s pardons were limited to those convicted for their actions on January 6.

Cole’s legal team argued the charges should be dismissed, claiming his actions were connected to the political events of January 6. They referenced Cole’s statements to the FBI about attending a protest related to the 2020 election, suggesting a linkage to the January 6 crowd. Although the bombs were allegedly planted on January 5, they were discovered the next day.

Ali’s decision relied on the Justice Department’s stance that Cole’s alleged conduct was not covered by the pardon. Judge Ali highlighted that the pardon was restricted to individuals convicted of offenses relating to January 6. Cole had not been convicted at the time the pardon was issued and was charged months later.

Last year, Cole faced charges of interstate transportation of explosives and malicious intent to use explosives. Despite the bombs not detonating, the FBI claimed their viability. In April, Cole was further charged with terrorism and weapons-of-mass-destruction offenses, pleading not guilty.

President Trump’s pardons after re-entering the White House last year applied clemency to around 1,500 individuals accused or convicted of various crimes related to January 6, from trespassing to police assault.