A newly released report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) inspector general has uncovered startling revelations about the presence of FBI informants during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. According to the report, 26 confidential FBI human sources were in Washington, D.C., on that day, with as many as 17 of them breaking the law.
The report clarified that no undercover FBI employees were present at the Capitol during the events of January 6. However, it revealed that 26 FBI informants, known as confidential human sources (CHS), were in attendance. Of these, only three had explicit authorization to be there.
The remaining 23 informants attended of their own accord, without being tasked by the FBI to monitor or participate in the protests. Despite not being directed by the agency, their actions have come under scrutiny, with accusations that they may have contributed to or encouraged the chaos.
While FBI policy strictly prohibits informants from breaking the law or inciting others to do so without prior approval, the inspector general’s report found that as many as 17 of these informants violated those rules.
The violations range from entering the Capitol building to trespassing on restricted grounds. This revelation has sparked outrage among critics, who argue that the presence and actions of these informants may have exacerbated the violence and confusion during the riot.
Despite their unlawful actions, none of the informants were charged. This has raised questions about the accountability of these individuals and whether their actions could have encouraged others to participate in the riot.
The inspector general’s report also criticized the FBI for failing to adequately prepare for the events of January 6. The agency did not canvass all of its field offices for intelligence from informants, a move that could have provided valuable insights to help Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies anticipate and manage the protests.
Furthermore, the report revealed that the FBI provided Congress with inaccurate information following the riot. The agency claimed it had directed all field offices to gather intelligence from informants about potential threats related to January 6, but the inspector general found this statement to be false.
The FBI’s inaccuracies were described as “unintentional” by the inspector general, but the admission has done little to quell public criticism of the bureau’s handling of the situation.
The report identified that of the 23 informants who attended without FBI authorization:
- Three to four entered the Capitol building.
- 11 to 13 trespassed on restricted Capitol grounds.
- The remaining nine did not break any laws.
Critics have questioned whether the actions of these informants contributed to escalating the situation. Questions about their accountability remain unanswered, as does speculation about whether high-profile figures like Ray Epps were among them.
Epps, a controversial figure who has been accused of encouraging the riot, has repeatedly denied being an informant. However, his involvement in urging protesters toward the Capitol has fueled conspiracy theories and demands for transparency from the FBI.
The inspector general’s findings have reignited calls for FBI Director Christopher Wray to be more transparent about the agency’s role in the events of January 6. Lawmakers and the public are demanding answers about why informants who violated the law were not held accountable and why Congress was misled about the FBI’s intelligence-gathering efforts.
The report also highlights a troubling pattern of mismanagement within the bureau, raising concerns about its ability to effectively navigate politically sensitive situations.
BREAKING: DOJ IG claims 26 FBI informants were in DC on Jan 6. (Guarantee this is not accurate)
At least 17 committed offenses for which other J6er have been federally charges. No CHS was charged. pic.twitter.com/9ex8GoC3xW
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) December 12, 2024
We found out in April that there were at least 40 informants if we include other law enforcement.
NEW bombshell filing in Proud Boys trial.
Defense writes that DOJ just recently disclosed involvement of undercover officers/informants from other agencies aside from FBI–DC Metro police and DHS.
“At least 40 undercover informants…” pic.twitter.com/aNErkjDtAr
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) April 6, 2023
The revelations about FBI informants on January 6 add a new layer of complexity to an already contentious chapter in U.S. history. Critics argue that the presence and actions of informants may have influenced the events of that day, while defenders of the FBI maintain that the agency’s intent was to monitor and prevent violence, not incite it.
As investigations into the January 6 riot continue, the role of government operatives and informants will likely remain a focal point of public debate. For now, the inspector general’s report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies surrounding the FBI’s handling of one of the most pivotal events in recent history.
