WASHINGTON D.C., July 3, 2026 – A federal judge has set a February 2027 trial date for Brian Cole Jr.. The Virginia man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot. The scheduling order follows a pivotal ruling earlier this week in which the court determined that recent mass pardons for January 6 defendants do not apply to Cole’s case.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali scheduled jury selection to begin on February 16, 2027, with the trial expected to last approximately two weeks. Cole, 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, remains in federal custody after being denied bail.
Judge Rejects Pardon
The status conference on Wednesday came days after Judge Ali rejected a motion by Cole’s defence team to dismiss the charges based on President Donald Trump’s mass pardons for January 6 rioters. Defence attorneys argued that Cole’s alleged actions were “inextricably and demonstrably tethered” to the events of January 6 and should thus be covered by the executive clemency.
However, Judge Ali ruled that the blanket pardons were explicitly narrowed to apply only to individuals convicted of crimes directly related to the riot itself. Since Cole is charged with specific acts of terrorism and explosives offences committed on January 5, and had not been convicted at the time of the pardons, the judge concluded the clemency did not extend to him.
Charges and Investigation
Cole was arrested on December 4, 2025, following a five-year investigation. The breakthrough came after the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, announced new leads in the cold case.
Prosecutors allege that on the night of January 5, 2021, Cole placed two viable pipe bombs in alleyways near the RNC and DNC offices on Capitol Hill. The devices, which failed to detonate, were discovered the following afternoon as riots started at the Capitol. Authorities say Cole confessed to the plot during an interview with FBI agents shortly after his arrest.
Cole faces a four-count indictment, which includes – act of terrorism while armed, attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, interstate transportation of explosives, malicious intent to use explosives.
If convicted of the most serious charges, Cole faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
