Arrest of a suspect in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb case
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6:20 AM 12/5/2025
Supreme Court’s ruling on the Texas voting map, the arrest of a suspect in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb case, and ongoing developments regarding U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats.
- Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court reinstated Texas’s congressional map, a decision poised to boost Republican seats in the 2026 midterm elections and marks a major victory for the Trump administration.
- Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested: Authorities have arrested Brian Cole Jr. in Washington D.C. in connection with pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, ending a years-long investigation.
- Military Strikes Controversy: The Pentagon confirmed another U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing four people, bringing the total deaths from such operations since September to 87. The strikes are facing intense scrutiny and questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
- Grand Jury Declines to Re-indict Letitia James: A federal grand jury in Virginia refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James again on mortgage fraud charges after the initial case was dismissed last week.
- CBS News Shakeup: Maurice DuBois is out as the anchor of the as the network continues internal shakeups.
- National Christmas Tree Lighting: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump led the 103rd National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the White House Ellipse.
- Russia-India Relations: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited
, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two nations are expected to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in healthcare and trade amid U.S. pressure over India’s Russian oil purchases
. - Conflict in Gaza:
set its military budget at $34 billion as it continues attacks in Gaza. Meanwhile, at least 95,000 Palestinians in the northern West Bank have been affected by intensified Israeli operations
. - European News:
,
,
, and
have announced they will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 over the decision to allow Israel to compete
.
Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in connection with placing two pipe bombs in Washington D.C. on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
- Suspect: Brian J. Cole Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia.
- Arrest Location: Cole was arrested at his home without incident.
- Charges: He is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials. More charges may be added as the investigation is ongoing.
- Incident Details: The bombs were placed outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters on the evening of January 5, 2021. They were discovered the next day and safely deactivated, but were determined to be viable explosives.
- Investigation Breakthrough: Federal authorities stated the breakthrough came from a re-evaluation of existing evidence, including cell phone data, purchasing records, and surveillance footage, rather than a new tip. Investigators matched Cole’s vehicle’s license plate and records of purchases of specific bomb components (e.g., specific end caps and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes) to the evidence gathered in 2021.
- Motive: The suspect’s motive has not been publicly identified yet.
