local
Federal judge says Trump’s broad Jan. 6 pardon doesn’t apply to DC pipe bomb suspect
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
By Piper HudspethBlackburn, CNN
(CNN) — A federal judge ruled Monday that President Donald Trump’s expansive pardon of January 6 rioters does not apply to a Virginia man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, DC, the night before the 2021 US Capitol insurrection.
Prosecutors say Br...
Key takeaway placed bombs near the Republican and Democratic national committees’ headquarters on the night of January 5, 2021.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The ruling by US District Judge Amir H. Ali has implications for the El Paso community, where concerns about domestic extremism and public safety are ongoing. While the case against Brian Cole Jr. is unfolding in Washington, DC, El Pasoans are likely to be interested in the limits of presidential pardons and their potential impact on local law enforcement efforts to prevent and respond to violent crimes. In a city that has experienced its own share of violent incidents, including the 2019 mass shooting at a local mall, residents may be watching this case to see how federal authorities handle allegations of domestic terrorism and whether such incidents can be linked to broader extremist movements. As the case against Cole proceeds, El Pasoans will be looking for reassurance that local and federal authorities are working together to prevent similar incidents from occurring in their community.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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What is this story about? By Piper HudspethBlackburn, CNN
(CNN) — A federal judge ruled Monday that President Donald Trump’s expansive pardon of January 6 rioters does not apply to a Virginia man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, DC, the night before the 2021 US Capitol insurrection.
Prosecutors say Br...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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