FBI’s Intelligence Gathering Prior to Capitol Riot Criticized in New Report
The FBI’s efforts to collect intelligence before the January 6 Capitol riot were insufficient, according to a recent watchdog report released by the Justice Department’s inspector general. The report, which was made public on Thursday, clarifies that there were no undercover FBI employees present at the event, nor were any informants authorized to participate in the riot.
This review directly addresses a conspiracy theory promoted by certain Republican members of Congress, suggesting the FBI was involved in initiating the violence during the riot aimed at overturning Donald Trump’s 2020 election defeat. In this violent clash, rioters stormed the Capitol in an effort to prevent Joe Biden’s victory from being certified.
Despite its limited scope, the report attempts to answer longstanding questions surrounding intelligence failures that may have preceded the riot. It follows numerous other investigations, including congressional inquiries and federal and state indictments.
The report recognizes the FBI’s efforts to prepare for potential violence by identifying known domestic terrorism subjects expected in Washington. However, it criticizes the bureau for not canvassing informants across its 56 field offices for relevant intelligence. This oversight is considered a “basic step that was missed,” as described by the deputy director, which could have aided preparations for January 6.
According to the report, 26 FBI informants were present in Washington on January 6, with three specifically tasked with reporting on attendees. While four informants entered the Capitol, none were authorized to do so or to break the law, and many provided information that aligned with other intelligence the FBI had already obtained.
The FBI has acknowledged the report’s findings and expressed openness to process improvements for future events. The agency had faced scrutiny regarding its handling of intelligence, including a January 5, 2021, bulletin from its Norfolk, Virginia, office warning of potential conflict at the Capitol.
FBI Director Chris Wray has defended the agency’s actions, stating that the intelligence was shared through multiple channels with law enforcement agencies. Wray, who announced plans to resign at the end of President Biden’s term, emphasized the information’s timely dissemination during congressional testimony.
The report also mentions that the FBI’s New Orleans field office received information about protesters planning a “quick reaction force” in northern Virginia. This intelligence was shared with federal agencies but not with local Virginia police, as it was deemed not immediately actionable.
The concept of a “quick reaction force” was significant in the Justice Department’s case against the Oath Keepers, a far-right extremist group. Speculation regarding federal law enforcement’s involvement in the riot has circulated among conservative circles, with some Republicans alleging agents posed as Trump supporters to incite violence.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz questioned the presence of FBI informants at the Capitol, seeking clarity on their roles. During a congressional hearing, Wray dismissed the notion that FBI agents orchestrated the violence as “ludicrous.”
An FBI informant’s testimony during the trial of Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader, described his presence at the Capitol but did not confirm participation in planning violence via Telegram chats used by the group.
