A man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol appeared in court for the first time Friday afternoon, though the brief hearing offered no additional details into his possible motivations.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, was charged Thursday with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of an explosive material. Dozens of FBI agents and teams in camouflage apprehended him at his Northern Virginia home.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones said Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington that Cole spoke with law enforcement for more than four hours the day prior. Two people familiar with the matter previously described Cole as an extremist in his political beliefs. They spoke Thurs

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