By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) – The man suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington the night before the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack is due to make his first court appearance on Friday after the Justice Department touted a break in a case that long vexed investigators.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Virginia, will appear in Washington federal court to face two explosives-related charges on the day after his arrest.

Cole was accused of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties near the U.S. Capitol on the evening of January 5, 2021.

The devices were not discovered until the next day and were deactivated by police. Neither exploded.

Still, FBI officials have said the bombs required significant police resources just as thou

See Full Page