Judge questions possible attorney conflict in DC pipe bomber case

A federal judge on Thursday was asked by federal prosecutors whether there is a need to appoint conflict counsel for accused Washington pipe bomber Brian Cole Jr., whose attorney also represents a reporter sued for identifying someone else as the bomber.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali questioned how to evaluate the potential conflict during a status hearing, then took the government’s request under advisement. A forthcoming order will address the request, according to the court’s minute entry.