Rep. Gonzales Reacts To D.C. Pipe Bomb Suspect’s Charges

Rep. Tony Gonzales is expected to react strongly if convicted to charges stemming from last year’s pipe bomb plot near D.C. political targets.

A Republican representative has voiced a desire for severe punishment, according to reports, for the suspect accused of plotting explosions near Democratic and Republican national committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., which authorities say were meant to disrupt the certification process following the 2021 January 6th Capitol riot.

The Justice Department announced charges this week against Brian Cole Jr. from Virginia regarding two pipe bombs sent on January 5, 2021 – just ahead of a turbulent night at the nation’s capital that led to Congress moving Joe Biden into emergency session and Donald Trump’s supporters storming the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the presidential election results.

Gonzales is quoted as saying he looks forward to Cole being hanged if found guilty. The exact wording from his statement: “I look forward to the hanging.”

He made these comments during an interview on Friday, emphasizing that Cole represents a threat to democracy and should face maximum penalties under existing laws.

Cole was charged by federal authorities with intent to impede the peaceful transfer of power following January 6th. He is reported to have said in text messages that he would “fk America” after learning the elector count favored Biden, according to reports from media organizations.

Gonzales expressed confidence in the FBI’s investigation, linking it specifically to ongoing probes into threats against public figures and institutions during this period of political tension.