A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s January 6 pardons do not protect a man accused of planting pipe bombs outside Republican and Democratic Party headquarters the night before the Capitol attack, keeping the high-stakes terrorism case alive.

Court Strikes Down Pardon Defense

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali rejected Brian J. Cole Jr.’s motion to dismiss criminal charges against him on Monday. Cole’s legal team argued that Trump’s clemency for January 6-related offenses should cover their client because the alleged pipe bomb placement was connected to the Capitol events. Judge Ali disagreed, explaining that the pardon only applied to individuals already convicted of January 6 offenses when Trump issued the proclamation. Cole faced no charges at that time and was not indicted until months after the pardon.

The ruling clarifies the scope of Trump’s controversial clemency action, which affected approximately 1,500 people accused or convicted in connection with the Capitol attack. Judge Ali wrote that Cole had not been convicted of the conduct at issue when the President issued the pardon, making him ineligible for the protection Cole’s attorneys sought.

The Allegations Against Cole

Federal prosecutors accuse Cole of placing two pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington on January 5, 2021. Authorities discovered both devices the following day as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building. The bombs never detonated, but FBI investigators determined they were viable explosive devices capable of causing significant harm. Cole faces charges including interstate transportation of explosives, malicious attempt to use explosives, terrorism offenses, and weapons of mass destruction charges. He has entered a not guilty plea to all counts.

Cole’s defense team contended that his alleged actions were connected closely enough to the January 6 events to qualify for presidential clemency. They described the alleged conduct as demonstrably tied to the Capitol attack. Prosecutors successfully countered that argument, with Judge Ali siding with the government’s interpretation of the pardon’s limitations.

What Happens Next

Cole is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday for a status hearing as the case proceeds toward trial. No trial date has been set yet. The ruling represents a significant setback for Cole’s defense strategy and establishes legal precedent about the boundaries of Trump’s January 6 pardons. The case continues to draw attention as one of the most serious criminal matters connected to the events surrounding the Capitol attack, given the terrorism charges and potential for mass casualties from the alleged explosive devices.