In the United States, legal arguments have emerged surrounding the charges against Brian J. Cole Jr., who is accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington D.C. near the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees. This alleged act took place on January 5, 2021, one day before the violent events of January 6, when rioters stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Cole was arrested later, on December 4, 2021, and charged with transporting an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction, as the devices were discovered and neutralized on January 6, 2021, at the party headquarters. His lawyers maintain Cole's innocence while simultaneously filing a motion that argues he is covered under President Donald Trump's blanket pardon for individuals involved in the January 6 events.