The individual accused of placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic and Republican parties five years ago has entered a plea of not guilty during a court session held on Friday.

Brian J. Cole, Jr., who was apprehended by the FBI at his Virginia residence in early December, is facing charges on two counts related to the transportation and attempted use of explosive devices.

This week, Cole was formally indicted on federal charges, as reported by FOX 5. The indictment follows his alleged confession to planting the bombs, which fortunately did not detonate, in the heart of Washington, D.C. on the night preceding the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Surveillance footage, released by the FBI, captures the suspected pipe bomber in the vicinity of the Democratic National Committee on January 5, 2021. This footage is juxtaposed with a photograph of the accused, Brian Cole Jr., who has been ordered to remain in custody pending his trial. (Department of Justice)

Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows the suspected DC pipe bomber walking near the DNC on Jan. 5, 2021, alongside a photo of accused suspect Brian Cole Jr., who was ordered held while awaiting trial.  (Department of Justice)

Despite initially denying his involvement to investigators, he eventually allegedly admitted to planting the bombs when he was reminded that lying was an additional crime after being shown alleged surveillance video of him at the scene, according to the Justice Department.

“According to the defendant, he was not really thinking about how people would react when the bombs detonated, although he hoped there would be news about it,” court documents said, adding that he said he was “relieved” when he heard they hadn’t detonated.

Sketch of Brian Cole Jr. first federal court appearance in Washington D.C., Dec. 5. Cole is the lead suspect in the DC pipe bombing.  (Dana Verkouteren)

Regarding his motive, Cole said “something just snapped” after “watching everything, just everything getting worse” after the 2020 election, and he wanted to do something, “to the parties” because “they were in charge.”

The suspect is seen outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters moments before placing one of two pipe bombs discovered near party offices in Washington, D.C. (FBI)

“Ultimately, it was luck, not lack of effort, that the defendant failed to detonate one or both of his devices and that no one was killed or maimed due to his actions,” court documents said. “Indeed, the defendant admitted that he set both devices to detonate 60 minutes after he placed them. His failure to accomplish his objectives does not mitigate the profoundly dangerous nature of his crimes.”

Cole also continued to purchase bomb-making materials following the failed Jan. 5 attack, prosecutors said.

He faces 10 years in prison for one charge and 20 years in prison if convicted of the second charge.