By After four years, what everyone paying attention suspected has been proven right.
A report released Thursday by the Justice Department’s inspector general, General Michael Horowitz, reveals that the FBI failed to take a crucial intelligence-gathering step in the lead-up to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The review highlights significant lapses within the bureau, particularly its decision not to survey its field offices for actionable intelligence, a measure described by FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate as a “basic step.”
The report acknowledges that the FBI recognized the potential for violence and implemented various “significant and appropriate measures” ahead of the attack. However, it also emphasizes that the FBI’s role in preparations and responses was more supportive than central, writes Fox News.
“Today’s report also details our findings regarding FBI CHSs who were in Washington, D.C., on January 6,” the report states. “Our review determined that none of these FBI CHSs was authorized by the FBI to enter the Capitol or a restricted area or to otherwise break the law on January 6, nor was any CHS directed by the FBI to encourage others to commit illegal acts on January 6.”
The report revealed that the FBI had a minor supporting role in responding on Jan. 6, 2021 — largely because the event was not deemed at the highest security level by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the report, there were a total of 26 confidential human sources in the crowd that day, but only three of them were assigned by the bureau to be there.
One of the three confidential human sources tasked by the FBI to attend the rally entered the Capitol building, while the other two entered the restricted area around the Capitol.Â
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance took to Twitter to point out the hypocrisy of it all and pointing out how what was once labeled a conservative conspiracy theory has yet again been proven correct.
For those keeping score at home, this was labeled a dangerous conspiracy theory months ago. https://t.co/gNJPUuRp5U
— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 12, 2024
The findings also address allegations from some conservative circles claiming federal agents or informants incited the Capitol attack. The inspector general’s review found no evidence that FBI undercover personnel or confidential informants were directed to engage in or provoke illegal activity, according to NBC News.
The FBI’s informants have not faced prosecution for their presence at the Capitol. Similarly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has opted not to pursue charges against hundreds of individuals whose only offense was entering restricted Capitol grounds. To date, more than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the attack, though thousands more present on Capitol grounds are unlikely to face charges.
The report also sheds light on the challenges the FBI faced in late 2020 and early 2021. These included technological and communication hurdles, as well as the politically charged atmosphere surrounding former President Donald Trump’s attempts to contest the 2020 election results. Special counsel Jack Smith’s separate investigation into Trump’s actions culminated in an indictment on four felony charges. However, after Trump’s 2024 presidential election victory, Smith dropped the charges but is expected to issue a final report.
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