Rep. Ronna McDaniel has voiced sharp criticism against federal officials’ handling of a concerning incident that occurred prior to the January 6th Capitol attack. The chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) stated during an interview on Friday that investigators had been aware of potentially dangerous information as early as four years before the assault, yet failed to act appropriately until after the event.
The incident involves Brian Cole Jr., a resident of Virginia who has reportedly confessed to planting pipe bombs near the headquarters of both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee. These devices were discovered outside these locations on January 5th, two days before President Joe Biden’s inauguration and one day prior to the January 6th attack.
Cole, whose exact age was not provided in the text but is referred to as Brian Cole Jr., faces serious federal charges including transporting explosive materials across state lines and attempted malicious destruction via explosives. According to McDaniel’s account, this case received inadequate attention despite investigators possessing actionable intelligence early on.
McDaniel expressed frustration that authorities failed to take immediate action when they had clear evidence pointing towards a potential threat. She noted that the suspect was reportedly identifiable through cellphone data showing pings near the locations, information available for years until recently brought to light.
This failure in addressing security concerns is particularly disturbing given the events that followed just two days later – January 6th saw violent clashes at the Capitol which led to widespread public concern about domestic threats. McDaniel specifically contrasted this alleged lack of action with commendable swift responses from officials appointed by the Trump administration, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General William Barr.
Cole’s own statements suggest a clear political motivation: “I don’t care what happens… I’m going to say goodbye to all that,” he reportedly said during his sentencing hearing. This chilling statement underscores the gravity of his actions.
FBI Criticized for Delayed Investigation into Pipe Bomb Threat Before Capitol Riot
Rep. Ronna McDaniel has expressed frustration over federal authorities’ handling of a pipe bomb threat against party headquarters in Washington, D.C., that occurred months before the January 6th Capitol attack.
The investigation was reportedly stalled four years ago due to an apparent lack of political will and priority shifting, according to new details emerging from what is being called by some as “shocking” information about Brian Cole Jr., a Virginia resident who confessed to planting pipe bombs near both party headquarters in the nation’s capital, has been identified as the suspect. Cole faces federal charges including transporting explosive devices across state lines and attempted malicious destruction.
McDaniel stated that investigators had access to cell phone data indicating Cole was monitoring activities at both the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters long before January 6th, yet did not pursue it aggressively until after the violent assault on the Capitol.
Cole reportedly told them during a recent sentencing hearing: “I don’t care what happens… I’m going to say goodbye to all that.” His chilling admission suggests this was likely politically-motivated terrorism.
