Jan. 6 Pipe Bombing Suspect Linked to Unusual My Little Pony Obsession: Report

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Brian Cole Jr., 30, charged with placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committees’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., the night before January 6, 2021, was reportedly a devoted fan of the “My Little Pony” franchise.

According to the New York Post, Cole created fan art, wrote stories and produced other content inspired by the series, often blending the characters with violent or horror themes.

Cole reportedly used multiple online usernames, including iDeltaVelocity, Bron1Delta, Delta1Forgotten and Blue Velocity.

The outlet reported that he shared numerous images of the franchise’s characters, many featuring purple bodies and multicolored manes.

Some illustrations included violent scenarios; in one instance, he commented on a pony wielding a machine gun: “Eh… I’d give her an RPG. What can I say? Explosions are COOL!!”

Beyond visual art, Cole reportedly authored fan fiction incorporating horror elements.

BizPac Review highlighted a story in which characters Applejack and Applebloom confronted “zombified ponies rising up from the ground, their decaying bodies, rotting flesh sliding off from their bones,” reflecting Cole’s fascination with darker imagery and “creepypasta”-style narratives.

The work showcased panic, fear and suspense, blending child-friendly characters with disturbing themes.

A former high school classmate told the Washington Post that Cole was frequently bullied for his interests.

“People didn’t pay him much mind, but unfortunately I remember times of him being bullied… calling him out for being a ‘My Little Pony’ fan,” the classmate said.

He added that Cole never responded with aggression or hostility.

Cole’s grandmother described him as “almost autistic-like,” citing challenges with social interaction.

Online, he reportedly listed hobbies including parkour, music, horror video games, drawing, anime and philosophical self-improvement.

Dr. Daniel Chadborn, author of “Meet the Bronies: The Psychology of the Adult My Little Pony Fandom,” wrote that the “Brony” subculture, which attracts adult male fans, often provides a sense of identity and community.

“Someone who is disaffected is often going to look for spaces to engage in, for a sense of identity and belonging,” Chadborn wrote, according to The Post Millennial.

Politically, Cole’s family is described as left-leaning, with a history of challenging the Trump administration and assisting illegal aliens, though authorities have not disclosed a motive for the pipe bomb placements.

Cole made his first court appearance last Friday.

ABC News reported that he admitted to planting the devices and faces charges carrying a maximum sentence of up to 30 years if convicted. During the hearing, Cole reportedly shook as the judge read the charges, underscoring the seriousness of the case.

The case has attracted national attention, raising questions about political violence, mental health and extremist behavior.

Authorities continue investigating Cole’s actions, highlighting the challenges in assessing motives when unique personal interests intersect with alleged criminal activity.

Experts note the difficulty in evaluating risk when online fandom, artistic expression and illegal behavior converge.

Cole’s unusual combination of fandom, creative expression and alleged criminal acts underscores the complexity of modern criminal cases.

Law enforcement and courts face challenges in determining intent, gauging public safety risks and understanding how seemingly harmless personal interests can intersect with dangerous behavior.