KENTUCKY (The Hill) — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he does not believe federal authorities arrested the real suspect behind two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
“I believe FBI arrested the wrong person in the J6 pipe bomb case,” Massie wrote on X, sharing an analysis from the conservative outlet The Blaze that he said highlighted “stark physical differences” between Brian Cole Jr., who was arrested, and the suspect shown in videos released by law enforcement.
Cole was arrested in December after what officials described as an “aha moment” that led to a breakthrough in the nearly five-year investigation. The pipe bombs had remained one of the unresolved mysteries surrounding the events leading up to the riot.
Prosecutors said Cole gave a “detailed confession” after his arrest, allegedly telling investigators he became “bewildered” by claims that the 2020 election was stolen from President Trump and believed someone needed to “speak up” for those who supported the election fraud allegations. He was the first suspect publicly identified by law enforcement.
However, Cole has pleaded not guilty to two federal charges, and his attorneys have also argued that authorities arrested the wrong person. They pointed to his diagnoses of autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder as possible explanations for any suspicious behavior.
The Hill requested comment from the FBI and the Justice Department.
The Blaze analysis claims Cole’s physical build, gait, posture, and mannerisms differ from the hooded suspect seen in law enforcement videos, though it acknowledged that poor video quality made the comparison difficult.
Cole faces charges of transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials. The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, while the second includes a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years.
A judge ordered him to remain in custody ahead of trial, stating that there are “no conditions of release” that would “reasonably assure the safety of the community.” His attorneys are seeking further review.
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