Brian Cole: DC pipe bomb suspect bought materials from Walmart and Home Depot, new details emerge

A detailed affidavit by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed how investigators traced the purchases of materials used in the pipe bombs planted outside the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters on January 5, 2021. The suspect, Brian Cole Jr., was arrested in connection with the case, and the newly released information shows that many key bomb components were bought from popular retail stores like Walmart and Home Depot. The affidavit provides a clear picture of how everyday items were combined to create the explosive devices and how investigators connected the purchases to Cole.

FBI traces retail purchases linked to pipe bombs

The FBI has been working for years to find the person responsible for placing the bombs. After a long and detailed investigation, they finally tracked evidence leading to Cole. During the announcement of his arrest, the FBI displayed posters and evidence at a press conference, highlighting the importance of the retail purchase records, product labels and surveillance videos that helped them identify him.

According to the affidavit filed in federal court, the two pipe bombs contained several components that could be easily bought in hardware and home goods stores. The document states that Cole bought many of these items in the months and years leading up to January 2021. These purchases were spread across multiple stores in northern Virginia, and investigators say the pattern matches the materials found in the devices.

The main part of each device was a galvanized steel pipe measuring 1 inch by 8 inches. Investigators discovered that both bombs used identical pipes that came from a specific manufacturer. The affidavit does not mention the name of the company but states that each pipe had unique markings that helped match them to retail inventory.

Purchase records showed that Cole bought six pipes of the exact same size from different Home Depot stores in northern Virginia. These purchases took place on June 1, June 8, and November 16, 2020. The pipes had identical product labels and barcodes to the ones found on the bombs. This discovery gave investigators a solid connection between the retail stores and the suspect.

In addition to the pipes, the bombs were sealed using a combination of black and galvanized end caps, which are used to close off pipe openings. These end caps were also manufactured by the same company that made the pipes. According to the FBI, Cole purchased 12 black end caps and 2 galvanized end caps from Home Depot between 2019 and 2020. While the manufacturer had sold hundreds of thousands of these caps nationwide, the specific stores and dates of Cole’s purchases were important for tracking the materials.

The bombs also included a 9-volt battery connector with red and black wires attached. Investigators traced these connectors to a distributor referred to as the “Nine Volt Distributor” in the affidavit. Cole reportedly bought five of these connectors from a Micro Center store in northern Virginia on November 12 and December 28, 2019. Fewer than 8,000 such connectors were sold across the United States from 2017 to early 2021, making them relatively uncommon and therefore useful for investigators tracing buyers.

Another key component of the bombs was the triggering mechanism—a white mechanical kitchen timer. These timers are normally used in household settings, but in this case, they were used to set off the devices. The affidavit states that Cole bought two identical white kitchen timers from a Walmart store in northern Virginia on June 3, 2020. Investigators believe that the combination of the kitchen timers with the other materials made the bombs unusual enough to examine store transaction records more deeply.

By checking purchase logs, debit card records and timestamps, investigators discovered that Cole’s debit card was used to buy the same brands and types of materials found in the bombs. Surveillance videos from the stores further helped confirm his presence during the purchases.

The investigation did not stop with the physical materials. The FBI also used digital evidence to strengthen the case. Cell tower data revealed that Cole’s phone connected to towers located near the RNC and DNC buildings between 7:39 pm and 8:24 pm on the night of January 5, 2021. This is the time period when investigators believe the bombs were planted.

In addition to the phone data, surveillance cameras captured Cole’s car—a 2017 Nissan Sentra—leaving Interstate 395 South near the US Capitol at approximately 7:10 pm on the same evening. This spot is less than a mile from the bomb sites. The vehicle’s movements matched the timeframe when the suspect would have been travelling toward the area to place the devices.

All of this information together—store purchases, product details, debit card use, surveillance videos, phone activity and car location—formed the foundation of the FBI’s case. The carefully collected data from different sources led investigators to connect Cole to the crime.

The affidavit also highlights that many of these purchases were made months before the January 5 incident. Investigators believe Cole prepared gradually, collecting items over time to avoid drawing attention. However, the consistent purchasing pattern and the uniqueness of some materials eventually helped link the items to him.

The public has also shown interest in other aspects of the case, including information about Cole’s family. Reports mention that his mother, Delicia, faced online trolling after his arrest. Investigators have also revealed that other evidence, such as Cole’s Nike Air shoes and cell phone movements, played a role in confirming his identity.

The case continues to develop as authorities examine more evidence and prepare for court proceedings. For now, the FBI’s detailed affidavit gives a clear picture of how everyday retail items and digital traces led to the arrest of the suspect in one of the most closely watched unsolved cases connected to the events of January 2021.