WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. District Judge Amir Ali denied a motion to dismiss criminal charges against Brian Cole Jr., who is accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee on January 5, 2021.

Judge Ali ruled that President Trump's January 6 pardons apply only to individuals convicted of offenses related to the events of that day. Cole Jr. had not been convicted of the conduct at issue when President Trump issued the pardon, and he was not charged until months after the proclamation.

Cole Jr.'s lawyers argued the pardon applies to him based on the ordinary and plain meaning of the pardon's language. His legal team stated his actions were inextricably and demonstrably tethered to the events of January 6. Prosecutors filed statements indicating Cole Jr. told the FBI he traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend a 2020 election-related protest.

Cole Jr. was charged with interstate transportation of explosives and malicious attempt to use explosives. Federal prosecutors added terrorism and weapons-of-mass-destruction charges against him in April. The pipe bombs were discovered on the afternoon of January 6, 2021, and the FBI stated they were viable. Cole Jr. pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

President Trump issued pardons to approximately 1,500 rioters accused or convicted of violations related to the January 6 Capitol attack. "The pardon applies only to people who had been convicted of offenses related to the events of January 6, 2021," Judge Ali wrote in his opinion.