Judge Decides to Keep D.C. Pipe Bomb Suspect in Custody Until Trial

A Virginia resident accused of placing bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee offices will remain in detention as he awaits trial, according to a federal judge's decision on Friday.

The decision was made by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh, who agreed with the Justice Department's argument for keeping the suspect in custody. The suspect, Brian Cole, is facing charges related to planting two homemade bombs on January 5, 2021, near the RNC and DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C., just before a significant national event.

Judge Sharbaugh reasoned that the government successfully proved that there are no adequate release conditions that would ensure the community's safety.

This ruling followed a hearing on Tuesday, where the court deliberated on whether Cole should remain detained as he waits for his trial.

The prosecution contended that Cole presented an "unacceptable risk" to public safety, emphasizing the severe nature of his alleged offenses, the considerable evidence pointing to his guilt, his lengthy avoidance of justice, and the likelihood of him resorting to violence again out of frustration with his circumstances.

Conversely, Cole's defense attorneys argued for his release, noting his unblemished record in the years since the incident and the absence of previous criminal charges.

In support of their argument, Cole's lawyers pointed out that he has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the DSM-5, Level 1 indicates the least severe form on the autism spectrum.