Jan. 5 pipe bomber faces terrorism and weapon of mass destruction charges

A federal grand jury returned a new indictment Wednesday against the man accused of planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican national committee headquarters on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021, adding terrorism-related charges that significantly escalate the stakes of the case.

The defendant, Brian Cole Jr., now faces four federal counts, including interstate transportation of explosives, malicious attempt to use explosives, and a new charge alleging he attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction, according to the filing. Prosecutors also added a terrorism-related charge under Washington, D.C., law, accusing Cole of acting with the intent to influence government policy and intimidate civilians.