Capitol Hill pipe-bomber case tests reach of Trump Jan. 6 pardons

Brian Cole Jr., accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on Jan. 5–6, 2021, is asking a judge to dismiss the charges by arguing that President Trump’s sweeping Jan. 6 pardons should apply to him. The defense contends the pardons cover offenses related to the events at or near the Capitol, though it’s unclear if they extend to Cole’s alleged conduct. The case highlights ongoing debates about how broadly the pardons reach, amid similar questions in other rioter cases with varied outcomes.