Justice Department argues Trump's January 6 pardons do not cover accused pipe bomber Brian Cole Jr.

January 6 Presidential Pardon Scope·March 17 – April 10, 2026

3 days ago

Justice Department argues Trump's January 6 pardons do not cover accused pipe bomber Brian Cole Jr.

The Justice Department is fighting a request to dismiss charges against Brian Cole Jr., who is accused of planting pipe bombs near the Capitol. Federal prosecutors argued that President Trump's broad pardons for Capitol riot participants do not apply to Cole's specific charges Justice Dept. argues D.C. pipe bomb defendant not covered. The government states that planting explosive devices falls outside the scope of the clemency granted to other protesters. Attorneys for Cole previously asked a judge to toss out the case, claiming his actions were covered by the president's blanket pardon Accused DC pipe bomber tells court Trump's broad Jan. 6 pardon should apply to him. Cole's defense team argued that the pardon was intended to cover all activities related to the events of that day Defense says accused DC pipe bomber covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons. This legal challenge tests the limits of the presidential pardons issued for those involved in the Capitol breach Pipe bomb suspect claims Trump's Jan 6 pardon applies to him.

Justice Dept. argues D.C. pipe bomb defendant not covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardonsAccused DC pipe bomber tells court Trump's broad Jan. 6 pardon should apply to himAccused DC pipe bomber covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons, defense says

Key Statements

PPOLITICO

“Attorneys for a man charged with planting bombs near the Capitol argue that President Trump's broad January 6 pardon applies to his case, citing conduct tethered to the 2021 events.”

This article explains the core legal argument that the pardon covers conduct 'tethered' to the day.

NNBC News

“Lawyers for Brian Cole, charged with planting pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC, argue in a court filing that Donald Trump's blanket pardon for January 6 defendants should apply to his case.”

This highlights that the defense is specifically using the 'blanket' nature of the pardon to seek dismissal.

News

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

The HillCenter

Justice Dept. argues D.C. pipe bomb defendant not covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons

CBS NewsCenter Left

Accused DC pipe bomber covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons, defense says

USA TodayCenter Left

DC pipe bomb suspect claims Trump's Jan 6 pardon applies to him, filing to dismiss charges

Fox NewsRight

Alleged Capitol Hill pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed out under Trump pardons

CBS NewsCenter Left

Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Claims He's Covered By Trump's Blanket Pardon

HuffPostLeft

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