A high-level investigation sheds new light on the presence of FBI confidential sources during one of America's most controversial political events.
According to Fox News, Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz's report reveals that 26 FBI confidential human sources (CHSs) were present in the crowd outside the Capitol on January 6, 2021, though only three were specifically assigned by the bureau to attend the event.
The report emphasizes that none of these sources were authorized to break the law or encourage others to commit illegal acts. Despite the significant number of informants present, the FBI's role in responding to the events was relatively minor, primarily because the Department of Homeland Security had not designated it as a highest-security-level event.
Of the 26 confidential sources present that day, four entered the Capitol building during the riot. One of these was among the three specifically tasked by the FBI to be there. An additional 11 sources entered the restricted area around the Capitol.
The investigation found that 23 of these confidential sources came to Washington, D.C., on their own initiative, not under FBI direction. This revelation has sparked discussions about the extent of FBI involvement in the events of January 6.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan expressed his concerns about the findings. Jordan stated:
This report confirms what we suspected. The FBI had encouraged and tasked confidential human sources to be at the capitol that day. There were 26 total present. Four entered the Capitol and weren't charged, which is not the same treatment that other Americans received.
The FBI has accepted Horowitz's recommendations for improving its procedures for future events. The bureau acknowledged that while they didn't have primary responsibility for intelligence collection or event security on January 6, they took significant steps to prepare for their supporting role.
The Department of Homeland Security has since designated the upcoming 2025 election certification as a national special security event. This designation ensures closer coordination between various federal agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and Capitol Police.
These findings come at a significant moment for the FBI, as Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation, set to take effect next month. The timing of this announcement, coinciding with two major inspector general reports, has drawn attention from congressional leaders.
The report detailed specific instances of FBI field office involvement with confidential sources. One field office directed a source to monitor domestic terrorism subjects planning to attend the certification. Another tasked their source to potentially report on two domestic terrorism subjects from different FBI offices.
Horowitz's investigation found no evidence suggesting the FBI had undercover employees among the various protest crowds or at the Capitol on January 6. However, the report noted that at least one confidential source received travel reimbursement despite only being tasked with attending the inauguration rather than the electoral certification.
The FBI emphasized its commitment to reassessing policies and procedures for future non-National Special Security Event (NSSE) events, as recommended by the inspector general. This includes clarifying the division of responsibilities between FBI field offices and divisions.
The Department of Justice Inspector General's investigation into FBI informants present during the January 6 Capitol riot has revealed that 26 confidential human sources were in attendance, with only three officially assigned by the bureau. The report highlights the complex nature of federal law enforcement's involvement in the events, raising questions about oversight and accountability. The findings come amid significant changes at the FBI, including Director Christopher Wray's announced resignation, and have prompted renewed discussions about the bureau's role in major political events.
