Hegseth Scrutiny, Jan 6th Pipe Bomb Suspect, Texas Redistricting Ruling

Summary

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Up First (NPR) – Episode Summary

Title: Hegseth Scrutiny, Jan 6th Pipe Bomb Suspect, Texas Redistricting Ruling
Date: December 5, 2025
Hosts: Michelle Martin, Steve Inskeep
Correspondents: Tom Bowman, Ryan Lucas, Hansi Lo Wang

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Episode Overview

This episode of NPR’s Up First covers three significant stories dominating the national news cycle:

1. Congressional scrutiny of a second U.S. missile strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean and questions about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of classified information.
2. The arrest of a suspect in the nearly five-year-old case of the January 6th pipe bombs.
3. The Supreme Court’s decision allowing Texas to use a contested congressional map, fueling concerns about gerrymandering and racial discrimination in redistricting.

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1. Pentagon Under Scrutiny: Secret Information and Caribbean Strike

[01:59–05:41]

• Congressional Video Review: Lawmakers recently viewed a video of a second missile strike by the U.S. on a boat in the Caribbean, which killed two men after the vessel had already been disabled.

  • Democrats’ View: Democrats were disturbed by the second hit, arguing the boat was already incapacitated and the men presented no further threat.
  • Republicans’ View: Republicans defended the strike, saying survivors might have reached their destination otherwise, though even some GOP lawmakers described the survivors as “desperate.”
  • Notable Quote:
    • “They were just shirtless guys and not much of this boat was above water.” — Congressman Adam Smith (reported by Tom Bowman, [05:19])
    • “Orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.” — Pentagon Law of War manual, quoted by Tom Bowman ([05:08])

• Details on the Strike:

  • Admiral Mitch Bradley, overseeing Central and South America, defended the decision, stating the survivors tried to regroup and handle drugs on the almost destroyed boat, prompting further strikes.
  • Secretary Hegseth claims to have only witnessed the first strike.
  • Lawmakers want to know if the second strike constitutes a war crime.

• Inspector General Report on Hegseth:

  • Secretary Pete Hegseth was found to have shared classified details about an upcoming airstrike (via Signal app) with family and a lawyer—none of whom held security clearances.
  • His spokesman claims the IG “exonerates him,” but the report contains no such statement.
  • Quote:
    • “Nothing in the 76 pages says anything close to that.” — Tom Bowman ([03:38])
  • The report emphasizes proper protocol for handling classified material but does not recommend consequences.

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2. Arrest in the January 6th Pipe Bomb Case

[05:49–09:13]

• Background: On the eve of January 6, 2021, two pipe bombs were found outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in D.C., drawing police away from the Capitol as it was later stormed.

• Breakthrough Arrest: The Justice Department has arrested Brian Cole, Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, VA:

  • He lived with his mother and worked at a bail bond office.
  • Charged with transporting an explosive device with intent to kill, among other offenses.
  • The investigation was renewed with a new FBI team, leading to critical forensic evidence, not new witness testimony.

• Evidence Linking Cole:

  • Purchases of galvanized pipes, end caps, steel wool, timers, and wires matching bomb materials.
  • Cell phone location data places him at the scene.
  • License plate readers picked up his vehicle near the Capitol just before the bombs were planted.
  • Quote:
    • “Let me be clear. There was no new tip, there was no new witness, just good diligent police work and prosecutorial work.” — Attorney General Pam Bondi ([07:17])

• Motive & Conspiracy Theories:

  • No clear motive or connection to the Capitol attack yet established.
  • Irony noted: Dan Bongino, who pushed “inside job” theories as a podcaster, is now Deputy FBI Director and received credit for the arrest.
  • Cole will appear in court soon; more details expected as legal proceedings advance.

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3. Supreme Court Sides with Texas on Redistricting

[09:22–12:47]

• The Issue: The Supreme Court has approved Texas’s use of a new Republican-friendly congressional map for the 2026 elections, overriding a lower court’s finding that the map likely discriminates racially.

  • Impact: Map expected to give GOP five more seats; part of a broader, nationwide redistricting battle.

• Lower Court Ruling:

  • Cited evidence of intent to dilute Black and Latino voting power in Texas.
  • Noted public statements and correspondence indicating districts were designed to eliminate minority-majority districts.

• Supreme Court’s Reasoning:

  • Sided with Texas lawmakers who denied racial motivation, asserting the drive was partisan.
  • Notable emphasis on the “presumption of legislative good faith.”
  • Criticized the timing of the lower court’s ruling during the candidate filing period.
  • Quote:
    • “Failed to honor the presumption of legislative good faith.” — Supreme Court’s majority opinion ([10:38])

• Dissenting View:

  • All three liberal justices dissented.
  • Quote:
    • “Ensures that many Texas citizens for no good reason will be placed in electoral districts because of their race—and that violates the Constitution.” — Justice Elena Kagan ([11:23])

• Wider Context:

  • Other states—California, North Carolina, Missouri—face similar redistricting battles.
  • The Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on Louisiana’s map soon, possibly triggering further changes, especially in the South.
  • Quote:
    • “There's a lot going on.” — Hansi Lo Wang ([11:52])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On police investigation of the pipe bombs:
  • “Just good diligent police work.” — Attorney General Pam Bondi ([07:17])
• On the classified info leak:
  • “Nothing in the 76 pages says anything close to that.” — Tom Bowman ([03:38])
• On legislative intent in redistricting:
  • “Failed to honor the presumption of legislative good faith.” — Supreme Court majority ([10:38])
• On war crimes and missile strike:
  • “Orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.” — Pentagon Law of War manual via Tom Bowman ([05:08])
  • “These guys, the two survivors, are trying to flip over this capsized boat.” — Senator Tom Cotton ([05:19])

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Key Timestamps for Segments

• Pentagon + Boat Strike / Hegseth Inquiry:
  [01:59]–[05:41]
• Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Arrest:
  [05:49]–[09:13]
• Texas Redistricting Supreme Court Ruling:
  [09:22]–[12:47]

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Tone

Direct, factual, and urgent—typical of NPR’s morning news reporting, offering sober analysis with pointed questions for government officials and legal experts.

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For More Information:

• Major developments are expected as legal proceedings unfold in both the pipe bomb and redistricting cases.
• Stay tuned to Up First for ongoing coverage and deeper dives on these evolving headlines.

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Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

Lawmakers saw video of a second US Strike on a boat in the Caribbean.

[Steve Inskeep]

And the public has seen a report on the defense secretary sharing sensitive information. What have we learned and what questions remain?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michele Martin with Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News.

Federal agents accused a suspect of planting two pipe bombs on the eve of the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

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A.

[Steve Inskeep]

Let me be clear.

[Michelle Martin]

There was no new tip, There was no new witness, just good diligent police work. What led investigators to him?

[Steve Inskeep]

Also, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court to side with Texas Republicans. The lower court found that a new congressional map probably discriminated by race. What reasons did the court give to set that aside? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

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[Steve Inskeep]

Members of Congress have now seen a video showing the second US Strike on a boat in the Caribbean. Democrats and Republicans interpreted it differently, but a few things became clear.

[Michelle Martin]

Democrats said they were disturbed by the second hit on a boat allegedly carrying drugs, killing two men after the boat was disabled. Republicans said the strike was justified because the two survivors of the first strike might have continued on to their destination. Yet even Republicans described the survivors in a desperate situation. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton said the survivors were, quote, trying to flip a boat, suggesting the boat had capsized after a US Missile strike, which other lawmakers confirmed.

[Steve Inskeep]

That is one of two big stories focused on the Pentagon and NPR. Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman is covering both. Tom, good morning.

[Tom Bowman]

Hey, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so let's get this other story out of the way. First, Inspector general report is now public about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharing in information about an attack on the Signal texting app. What did you learn by reading the report?

[Tom Bowman]

Well, it said that two to four hours before the airstrikes by American F18 pilot Secretary Hegseth, he was getting a classified briefing from General Eric Kurilla about the upcoming attacks on Houthi rebels, a lot of detail about the number of planes, the targets, the timing. And while Hegseth was getting this, he was sharing it on a Signal chat with other officials and on another chat with his wife, his brother and his lawyer. None of those three had security clearances. And all of this was secret information, the report said.

[Steve Inskeep]

And let's just disclose as we do that NPR CEO Kathryn Marr also chairs the board of the Signal foundation, which has a subsidiary that makes this app. But what has been the reaction to the inspector general?

[Tom Bowman]

Well, Secretary Hegseth's spokesman said the IG report exonerates him. That is not true. Nothing in the 76 pages says anything close to that. It does say that the Pentagon should be aware of proper procedures on the handling of classified information. It only states facts, not what should happen next.

[Steve Inskeep]

All right, so let's now talk about this second strike on the boat in the Caribbean. What are lawmakers saying and what are you learning now that they have seen this video and also heard from the commander involved?

[Tom Bowman]

Well, Admiral Mitch Bradley, the top commander overseeing Central and South America, appeared behind closed doors to explain what happened. Lawmakers said he defended that second missile strike, saying basically the survivors of the initial strike were still kind of being active, trying to reach their comrades by radio, trying to corral drugs on the boat that was nearly destroyed. So Bradley again ordered this second missile strike to kill them and then two more to sink the boat. Secretary Hegse said he was only there for the first missile strike on the boat and didn't see the others. He had meetings, he said. Now lawmakers are asking, you know, did this second missile strike result in an illegal killing, a war crime? Because, Steve, the Pentagon's Law of War manual lays out what is an illegal order that no service member has to obey. And the manual has this example, get this quote, for example, orders to fire upon the shipwrecked would be clearly illegal.

[Steve Inskeep]

Tom, granting the differing interpretations, it does seem that everyone came out of the closed door video session saying this boat was severely damaged at the least and even capsized. Any doubt about that?

[Tom Bowman]

I don't think there is. Senator Tom Cotton said these guys, the two survivors, are trying to flip over this capsized boat. Congressman Adam Smith and others said, listen, they were just shirtless guys and not much of this boat was above water. So that's why it's important, I think, for the public to see this video. It should be released.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Tom Bowman, thanks so much.

[Tom Bowman]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

The night before a mob of President Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6th of 2021, somebody placed two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Party headquarters, which are nearby.

[Steve Inskeep]

For almost five years, the FBI tried to find the culprit, but came up empty until Thursday when the Justice Department announced that federal agents had arrested a 30 year old man suspected of planting those devices.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR justice correspondent Ryan Lucas is covering this and he's with us now. Good morning, Ryan.

[Ryan Lucas]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So what can you tell us about this person who's now in custody and what's he char with?

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, his, his name is Brian Cole, Jr. He is, as you guys mentioned, 30 years old. He was arrested in Woodbridge, Virginia, which is about 20 or so miles south of D.C. court papers say that he lives there with his mom and that he works in the office of a bail bondsman in Northern Virginia. Now, as for the charges, he's charged with transporting an explosive device with intent to kill as well as attempted malicious destruction with explosive materials. Those are the charges as of this morning. But officials said yesterday that this is still very much an active investigation and prosecutors could bring more charges down the road.

[Michelle Martin]

So for almost five years, the FBI has been trying to find the person who planted these bombs. Did officials say yesterday what, after all this time led them to coal?

[Ryan Lucas]

Right. This has been a massive investigation to try to solve this mystery over the years. And remember, these pipe bombs didn't go off on January 6th, but they did draw police away from the Capitol that day, the day that rioters stormed the building. Now, officials said yesterday it wasn't a new tip that broke this case open. Here's Attorney General Pam Bondi speaking to reporters yesterday.

[Steve Inskeep]

Let me be clear. There was no new tip, there was.

[Michelle Martin]

No new witness, just good diligent police.

[Tom Bowman]

Work and prosecutorial work.

[Ryan Lucas]

Now, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau brought in a new team of investigators and experts to reexamine all of the evidence that the FBI had collected over the past four plus years. And that new team sifted through all of the data. And Patel said that's what led to new investigative leads, including a critical forensic lead. He said, and ultimately the road led to Cole.

[Michelle Martin]

What evidence do the prosecutors have that allegedly Ties Cole to these pilots.

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, then an FBI affidavit says that records of financial transactions show that Cole bought items that were the same as the components used to build the pipe bombs that were found. So, galvanized pipes, end caps used to close the ends of the pipe bombs, Steel wool, that same kind of white kitchen timers, and red black electrical wires. There's also cell phone location data that shows that Cole's cell phone was pinging cell towers in the area where the pipe bombs were left on the night that they were placed there. And then the affidavit says that a license plate leader picked up Cole's car getting off the interstate near the Capitol on the evening of January 5th, just a half hour or so before the bombs were put in place.

[Michelle Martin]

Now, people might remember there have been a lot of conspiracy theories about these pipe bombs. Who left them? Why, now that the suspect is in custody, do we know anything about the motive or whether these bombs were connected to the attack on the Capitol?

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, those really are the million dollar questions. And unfortunately, no, at this point, we don't. No answers to those. Ironically, one of the conspiracy theories that was out there, that the pipe bombs were an inside job by the FBI, that was pushed by Dan Bongino when he was a podcaster. Dan Bongino is now the deputy director of the FBI, and he got a lot of credit yesterday for this arrest. Now, Cole is expected to appear in court here in D.C. later today. And answers to a lot of these outstanding questions are most likely to come in court over the weeks and months to come as the. As the Justice Department prosecutes this case.

[Michelle Martin]

That's NPR's Ryan Lucas. Ryan, thank you.

[Ryan Lucas]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. The Supreme Court has given President Trump and the Republican Party a boost in their fight to skew the results of congressional elections.

[Michelle Martin]

Yesterday, the court said Texas may use a new congressional map designed to give Republicans a shot at five extra House seats in next year's election. But the court turned aside a lower court ruling that found a likelihood that this new map is racially discriminatory.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Hansi Lo Wang has been following the gerrymandering battle, which, of course is nationwide. Many states now involved. Hansi, good morning.

[Hansi Lo Wang]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so what was the lower court ruling that the Supreme Court says doesn't apply? They paused.

[Hansi Lo Wang]

Well, this was a three judge panel that the majority ruling written by a judge nominated by President Trump. The Supreme Court has put a pause on this order. And this order by the local court found that this congressional map Texas passed back in August is likely unconstitutional because it discriminates against voters based on race. This lower court ruling cited a letter that the Justice Justice Department wrote to Texas officials and multiple public statements by key Republican state lawmakers involved in developing the map. And all suggest Texas lawmakers passed this map to eliminate existing districts in Texas where black and Latino voters together make up the majority.

[Steve Inskeep]

Oh, that's interesting. Why then did the Supreme Court say, no, you're wrong, go ahead and use the map?

[Hansi Lo Wang]

Well, a majority of conservative justices on the Supreme Court basically sided with Texas state lawmakers who have said they were not motivated by race and were driven instead to draw new districts that are more likely to elect Republicans. The court's majority wrote that the lower court ruling, quote, failed to honor the presumption of legislative good faith. And the majority also said the lower court, quote, improperly inserted itself into Texas's primary campaign by releasing its ruling last month in the middle of the candidate filing period.

[Steve Inskeep]

I was reading the rather short ruling on this rather short opinion and I am fascinated by that idea that the court should have presumed that the Texas legislature did not mean to do it, that that should be the presumption going in. Was there any dissen?

[Hansi Lo Wang]

Yes. The court's three liberal justices dissented. Justice Elena Kagan wrote their dissenting opinion and said that the court's majority decision to allow Texas to use this map for next year's midterms, quote, ensures that many Texas citizens for no good reason will be placed in electoral districts because of their race and that violates the Constitution.

[Steve Inskeep]

I was interested also that the court ruling acknowledged the broader context here and said this is now spread to be a redistricting fight in state after state after state across the country. Where do things stand?

[Hansi Lo Wang]

There's a lot going on, but let's start with California. Voters in that state approved a Democratic friendly congressional map last month to counter the Texas map that President Trump pushed for to help Republicans. And the Supreme Court is now allowing. And this month a federal court is holding a hearing on whether to block California's map for the midterms. Last week, a different federal court ruled to allow North Carolina to use a new Republican friendly map. Missouri's Republican friendly map is still facing lawsuits and a referendum effort.

[Tom Bowman]

And.

[Hansi Lo Wang]

And I'm keeping watch for potential new maps coming out of Florida, Indiana, New York and Virginia.

[Steve Inskeep]

Busy man. Is the Supreme Court done with this topic?

[Hansi Lo Wang]

No. There's a major voting rights case. I'm also watching about Louisiana's congressional map. The Supreme Court may rule on that very soon. And depending on what and when the court decides in that case, there may be another wave of congressional gerrymandering, particularly in Southern states.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Hansi Lo Wang, thanks for the update.

[Hansi Lo Wang]

You're welcome, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's up for us for this Friday, December 5th. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michelle Martin. As Ice continues its nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the families being targeted are planning for a possible separation.

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If a parent is detained, those children are vulnerable. Sometimes they're left at school, no one's there to pick them up. And without the proper legal documents in place so children could end up in foster care.

[Michelle Martin]

This weekend on the Sunday Story, NPR's Jasmine Garst takes us into the lives of immigrant families who are living in fear. Listen to the Sunday story right here on NPR's Up first podcast.

[Steve Inskeep]

Today's up first was edited by Andrew Sussman, Ana Yukoninoff, Ben Swayze, Mohamed El Bardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Our executive producer is Jay Shaler. Join us next time.

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