Who are Brian Cole’s family and how did they react to his arrest involving the Jan. 6 DC pipe bombing case?

Brian Cole Jr., the man identified as the suspect who allegedly planted pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, was arrested Thursday, December 4, in Virginia. The 30-year-old from Woodbridge has not yet been charged but is expected to appear in federal court on December 4, according to CBS News.

Investigators were seen at a home in Prince William County, Virginia, with NBC Washington reporting that the address is believed to be connected to Cole. Officials were observed at a residence on Manor House Court in Dale City, about 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. “Property records indicate a man with Cole’s name owns a home on the cul-de-sac,” the report added.

Also Read: What is ‘anarchist ideology,’ the political belief the alleged Jan. 6 pipe bomber Brian Cole of Virginia is linked to, and is it connected to ANTIFA?

Brian Cole’s family and their reaction

NBC News quoted his step-grandfather, Earl Donnette, who “said in a brief phone call to NBC News that he spoke with the FBI about his step-grandson.” Donnette declined to comment further, as did Cole’s father, Brian Cole Sr., the outlet reported.

But Cole’s grandmother, Loretta, firmly denied that he could be involved in a crime of this scale, describing him as vulnerable and politically disengaged. “He’s almost autistic-like because he doesn’t understand a lot of stuff. I hope he is not talking,” she told The New York Post in a phone interview.

“He’s very naive…He would not hurt a fly. He’s just not that kind of person.”

As per CBS News, Cole is from Woodbridge, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., and graduated from a Prince William County school district in 2013.

Also Read: Brian Cole: Everything we know so far about Brian Cole of Virginia, the alleged Jan. 6 DC pipe bomber arrested by the FBI

How Brian Cole’s neighbors reacted

Neighbors are quite surprised following Cole’s arrest, describing him as quiet, introverted, and intensely private.

One woman told The New York Post that Cole seemed “antisocial.” “He’s very antisocial. Very. He keeps to himself,” she said. “He has a dog that he loves. He walks every day, twice a day, to 7-Eleven with his dog, and he wears his headphones.”

Another neighbor echoed that sentiment, telling the publication, “He seemed very quiet. He would never make eye contact. Almost like he just didn’t see you.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether Cole is the pipe bomber, and the investigation into the motive and broader context of the incident remains ongoing.