CNN anchor Jake Tapper referred to Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect Brian Cole Jr. as a “white man” during a recent broadcast, a description that immediately drew criticism across social media.
Tapper stated on air: “Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old white man…” while discussing the latest developments in the long-running investigation into the individual accused of placing pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 6, 2021.
The description sparked backlash from viewers who questioned CNN’s characterization of the suspect’s appearance. Critics online circulated images of the suspect and argued that the network’s description did not match what was visible in the footage released by authorities.
CNN has not issued any clarification or correction regarding Tapper’s wording on the broadcast. Federal officials have not released any updated public description on the suspect’s racial identity beyond earlier references in investigative documents.
The Justice Department’s case surrounding the pipe bombs remains ongoing, with new developments emerging under the current administration.
