The investigation into the January 5th pipe bombs placed near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters took a startling turn with a newly revealed detail. For months, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer, now working for the CIA, was considered a potential suspect – even possessing a seemingly airtight alibi.
Brian Cole Jr., 30, of Virginia, was arrested in December 2025 after a “fresh review” of evidence allegedly linked him to the devices. However, simultaneously, the FBI was intensely scrutinizing another individual: the former police officer. This parallel investigation remained hidden until recently.
According to a motion filed by Cole’s attorneys, the FBI began questioning and surveilling the officer, identified as Kerkhoff, while simultaneously building their case against Cole. The timing raises critical questions about the focus and direction of the investigation from the outset.
On November 6, 2025, Kerkhoff underwent a polygraph examination, specifically asked if she had placed the pipe bombs. The results were telling: she failed. The examiner noted a “very controlled reaction” and responses that appeared rehearsed, fueling further suspicion.
The following day, the FBI opened a dedicated file on Kerkhoff, issuing subpoenas and requests to preserve her electronic records. This escalation occurred on the very same day the investigation into Cole was initiated, suggesting a deliberate, dual-track approach.
The FBI’s methods became increasingly focused. They attempted to question Kerkhoff and a companion at her home, then interviewed her dog walker. This was followed by a joint interview with Kerkhoff and her companion, conducted by both FBI agents and an Assistant U.S. Attorney – a procedure one former FBI agent described as “unusual.”
Throughout November 2025, Kerkhoff was subjected to covert surveillance, unaware of the FBI’s scrutiny. A request was even sent to the CIA for her employment records, and footage of her visiting a podiatrist – potentially for a gait analysis – was collected.
Now, Cole’s legal team is demanding access to a wealth of information related to Kerkhoff. They are seeking the video of her at home with her dog, purportedly from the night of the bombing, her CIA employment records, and detailed communication logs.
The subpoenas also target Kerkhoff’s electronic devices, work schedule, and any attempts to remove information about her online. The scope of the request underscores the depth of suspicion surrounding her potential involvement and the perceived inconsistencies in the investigation.
Steve Baker, who initially brought Kerkhoff’s potential involvement to light, expressed vindication, stating that “lots more” information is forthcoming. The unfolding revelations promise to reshape the narrative surrounding the January 5th pipe bombs and the investigation that followed.
The questions now are: why was Kerkhoff investigated so intensely, and what did the FBI uncover during their months-long surveillance? The answers, hidden within the requested documents, could dramatically alter the understanding of this pivotal event.
