DOJ Report: FBI Had 26 Informants at Capitol Riot, No Undercover Agents Present

Dec 13, 2024, 07:08 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz addressing the FBI's role in the events leading up to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The report confirms that while the FBI had 26 informants in Washington, D.C., on that day, none were authorized to enter the Capitol or engage in illegal activities. Three of these informants were specifically tasked to report on potential domestic terrorism subjects, but none were instructed to incite violence or break the law. The report also highlights that the FBI could have done more to gather intelligence, particularly by canvassing its 56 field offices for relevant information. However, it refutes conspiracy theories suggesting FBI involvement in instigating the riot, stating that no undercover FBI agents were present during the chaos. The FBI has accepted recommendations for process improvements to prepare for future events.