DOJ Watchdog: No Undercover FBI Agents Were at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

FBI Capitol riot/ Jan. 6 intelligence failures/ DOJ watchdog report/ FBI informants Capitol riot/ conspiracy theories debunked/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A DOJ inspector general report criticized the FBI for not fully utilizing its resources to gather intelligence ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, though it noted the bureau took steps to prepare for potential violence. The report debunks conspiracy theories about FBI involvement in instigating the attack, finding no agents or informants acted unlawfully or encouraged violence.

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Key Findings on FBI’s Handling of Jan. 6 Intelligence

• Intelligence Gaps: The FBI failed to comprehensively gather intelligence from its 56 field offices.
• Informants’ Role: 26 FBI informants were present; three entered restricted areas but were not authorized to do so.
• Preparation Efforts: FBI shared a Jan. 5 warning about potential violence with local law enforcement, though Capitol Police said they didn’t receive it.
• Conspiracy Theories: The report refutes claims that FBI agents or informants instigated the riot.
• Historical Context: Released nearly four years after the attack, the report adds to ongoing investigations.

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DOJ Watchdog: No Undercover FBI Agents Were at Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

Deep Look

FBI’s Intelligence Failures

The Justice Department inspector general’s report concluded that while the FBI anticipated potential violence on Jan. 6, it failed to fully leverage its field offices to collect intelligence that might have provided a clearer picture of the threat.

For example, a bulletin from the FBI’s Norfolk, Virginia, field office warned on Jan. 5 of potential “war” at the Capitol. While this information was shared with law enforcement through a joint terrorism task force, Capitol Police leaders claimed they were unaware of it at the time.

FBI Director Chris Wray defended the bureau’s actions, stating the information was disseminated promptly.

“We communicated that information in a timely fashion to the Capitol Police and MPD in not one, not two, but three different ways,” Wray said in 2021.

Informants’ Presence at the Capitol

The report revealed that 26 FBI informants attended protests in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6. Of those, three entered restricted areas, including the Capitol grounds, without FBI authorization. However, none were directed to break laws or encourage others to do so.

One informant, affiliated with the Proud Boys, testified in court about his presence at the Capitol. He maintained contact with his FBI handler during the riot but had no knowledge of plans for violence.

Debunking Conspiracy Theories

The watchdog report directly challenges claims from some conservative circles that FBI agents or informants incited the riot.

• Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., and former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., have suggested FBI involvement in instigating the attack.
• FBI Director Wray previously dismissed such allegations as “ludicrous.”

The report confirmed that no FBI undercover employees were present at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and none of the informants acted as provocateurs.

Broader Context and Implications

The inspector general’s findings come nearly four years after the Capitol riot, which led to federal and state investigations, congressional inquiries, and hundreds of criminal indictments. The report highlights critical intelligence gaps while affirming the FBI’s broader preparedness for potential unrest.

As FBI Director Chris Wray prepares to step down in January 2025, the agency faces ongoing scrutiny for its handling of the events leading up to and during the attack.

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