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Trump's pardons for Jan. 6 rioters don't apply to DC pipe bomb suspect
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 6, 2026
· 3 min read
President Donald Trump's mass pardons for supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol don't apply to a Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs near the national headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, a federal judge ruled Monday.U.S. District...
Key takeaway 6, 2021, riot, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The federal judge's ruling in the case of Brian J. Cole Jr. has implications for Nashville residents who may be concerned about the reach of presidential pardons. While Cole's alleged actions took place in Washington, D.C., the case raises questions about how such pardons might impact similar cases in other parts of the country, including Tennessee. As the city of Nashville continues to navigate its own issues of public safety and community trust, the limits of presidential power in cases like Cole's will be closely watched. The fact that Cole's attorneys argued his actions were connected to the Jan. 6 riot, while prosecutors maintained that the pardon did not apply, highlights the complexities of these cases and the need for clear guidance on how they will be handled. Nashville's own law enforcement and community leaders may be looking to cases like this for insight into how to balance individual rights with public safety concerns.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump's mass pardons for supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol don't apply to a Virginia man charged with planting pipe bombs near the national headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, a federal judge ruled Monday.U.S. District...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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