CNN anchor Jake Tapper mistakenly described Washington, D.C., pipe-bomb suspect Brian Cole Jr. as a “30-year-old white man” during his program The Lead, shortly before the show displayed photos revealing that Cole is a Black man.

Tapper stated:
“Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old white man from the D.C. suburbs, is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and with malicious destruction by means of explosion.”

Minutes later, his show broadcast images of Cole that contradicted his description.

Background on the Case

According to reporting cited in the text, Cole was arrested and charged in connection with placing pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters on January 5, 2021.

Additional charges include:

• Transporting an explosive device across state lines

• Attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials

• Possibility of further charges as the investigation continues

How Investigators Identified the Suspect

The FBI reportedly used license plate readers and cell tower data to place Cole at both locations nearly five years after the incident.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated:
“Today’s arrest was the result of good, diligent police work and collaboration on a case that languished for four years under the prior administration. The American people are safer thanks to this morning’s successful operation.”