The arrest of Brian Cole Jr. in connection with pipe bombs planted at the U.S. Capitol on January 5, 2021, has exposed stunning incompetence within the Biden administration's FBI leadership. New FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Thursday that the previous administration "sat on" key evidence for four years, failing to pursue basic investigative techniques that ultimately led to the suspect's capture.
"We went back and looked at the cellphone tower data dumps. We went back and looked at the providers and what information they provided pursuant to search warrants at the time and asked questions such as why weren't all the phone numbers scrubbed, why aren't they connected and why wasn't there any geolocational data done?" Patel explained during an interview. "That is either sheer incompetence or complete intentional negligence—and neither of which is acceptable for this FBI."
The breakthrough came only after President Trump's new FBI leadership returned to fundamental investigative practices. Cole was arrested for allegedly planting two explosive devices near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, the day before thousands of protesters gathered at the Capitol to voice concerns about the 2020 election.
"This guy... planted bombs at the United States Capitol on camera," Patel stated bluntly. "And the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the prior four years couldn't find him. Completely unacceptable."
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the case languished without action under Biden-era leadership. "This case languished. It sat there for four years collecting dust. No one did anything to solve this," Bondi said. "Both bombs were real... and thankfully they didn't detonate."
The investigation's revival under Trump's FBI leadership demonstrates a stark contrast in competence and commitment to justice. Investigators employed sophisticated cellphone geolocation analysis, reviewed hundreds of tips, and even traced the suspect through limited-edition Nike sneakers visible in surveillance footage—all techniques that should have been standard practice from day one.
The fact that such basic law enforcement work was neglected for four years raises serious questions about the Biden administration's priorities and capabilities. While Americans concerned about election integrity faced aggressive prosecution, an actual bomb-planting suspect remained free due to investigative failures.
Cole now faces charges for use of an explosive device and will make his first court appearance in Washington, D.C. Attorney General Bondi noted that additional charges are expected as investigators continue examining evidence seized during Thursday's arrest.
The successful resolution of this case demonstrates what proper law enforcement looks like when freed from political interference and bureaucratic negligence. It also serves as a sobering reminder of how justice was delayed—and nearly denied—under the previous administration's watch.
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