Inspector General Report Highlights FBI’s Lapses in Handling Informants During January 6 Events
The Justice Department’s Inspector General, Michael Horowitz, released a much-anticipated report on Thursday, shedding light on the FBI’s use of confidential human sources (CHS) in connection with the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. The report reveals significant shortcomings in intelligence management and coordination, raising questions about the FBI’s readiness and oversight during the events surrounding that day.
Horowitz’s investigation scrutinized the FBI’s deployment of confidential informants leading up to and during January 6, uncovering that 26 such sources were present at the Capitol—far more than the three officially assigned to monitor events.
Among these 26 sources:
Four entered the Capitol building.
Thirteen entered restricted areas outside the Capitol.
Nine remained in non-restricted areas and engaged in no illegal activity.
The report confirms that none of these sources were prosecuted, nor were they authorized by the FBI to commit or incite unlawful actions. There is no evidence that informants played leadership roles in organizing the day’s events or directly incited violence.
The report concludes with recommendations aimed at improving the FBI’s intelligence protocols and coordination, including:
Mandating Pre-Event Canvassing: Ensure field offices conduct thorough intelligence-gathering before major national events.
Enhancing Guidelines: Establish clearer protocols for managing and sharing intelligence from informants.
Strengthening Oversight: Improve accountability and oversight within intelligence operations.
Looking Ahead
The findings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in managing large-scale events and highlight the necessity of proactive intelligence-sharing. As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of January 6, this report will likely fuel further debates about accountability, transparency, and the role of federal agencies in protecting democracy.
