DC pipe bomb suspect not covered by Trump Jan. 6 pardon: DOJ

The Hill
by Fiona Bork
April 10, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

The DOJ states President Trump's pardons do not cover the DC pipe bomb suspect's alleged actions on January 5, 2021.

AI Summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a judge to deny a motion to dismiss charges against Brian Cole Jr., the man suspected of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. Cole Jr. argued he should be exempt from prosecution under President Trump’s related pardons. The DOJ asserts that these pardons do not cover Cole Jr.'s alleged actions. This legal challenge clarifies the scope of President Trump's pardons concerning individuals involved in events surrounding January 6, 2021. Cole Jr. faces charges related to planting the devices near the Republican and Democratic national committee headquarters.

What's Being Done

The Department of Justice is asking a judge to deny a motion to dismiss charges against Brian Cole Jr.

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