Ray Epps: A Curious Case of FBI Oversight
Ray Epps, a controversial figure from the January 6 protests, briefly occupied the #16 spot on the FBI’s Most Wanted List—only to be removed shortly thereafter. Epps was not merely a bystander; he was seen leading the charge as protesters breached security barriers at the U.S. Capitol. His actions included pushing a large MAGA sign toward law enforcement, a provocative act that resulted in lengthy prison sentences for several protesters.
Despite his prominent role, the circumstances surrounding Epps’ removal from the FBI’s Most Wanted List remain shrouded in mystery. The rationale behind this decision has yet to be disclosed, leaving many to speculate about the FBI’s motives.
In a discussion on Timcast in 2023, current FBI Director Kash Patel raised pertinent questions regarding the FBI’s operations on January 6, suggesting that the involvement of undercover operatives could alter the narrative surrounding the events of that day.
Kash Patel: “As a former federal prosecutor and public defender, I can tell you that to prove FBI involvement, you need to establish that agents were embedded with protest groups. Documentation indicates that these operations require at least six months of preparation—not a last-minute deployment. If we can substantiate that, we can refute the insurrection narrative using the FBI’s own records, regardless of video evidence… I can’t assert definitively, but there’s reasonable suspicion that federal agents were involved. A video shows an individual with an earpiece directing people into the Capitol. When you consider this alongside Ray Epps’ behavior, it suggests a significant likelihood of federal law enforcement involvement in the events of January 6.”
He concluded, “Ray Epps was on the FBI’s Most Wanted List one day and off the next. There are only two plausible explanations: he either died or he’s an informant.”
Kash Patel: “Ray Epps was on FBI’s most wanted list one day, and the next day he was off. There are only two ways that happens: you die, or you are an informant.”
— Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) March 9, 2023
The enigma surrounding Epps deepened with a recent FOIA request filed by investigative journalist Yehuda Miller on behalf of . The request sought comprehensive information regarding Epps’ involvement on January 6, including all communications related to his removal from the FBI’s wanted list.
However, the FBI’s response to the request was less than illuminating. They denied access to the requested documents, citing privacy concerns for third parties involved.
“While the existence of FBI records is acknowledged, the records are exempt from disclosure as processing these third-party records would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. You have not sufficiently demonstrated that the public’s interest in disclosure outweighs the individual’s privacy concerns.”
This reasoning raises eyebrows. The FBI acknowledges the existence of records yet refuses to disclose them on the grounds of protecting Epps’ personal privacy. Is it truly a matter of privacy, or is there something more significant at stake?
Digging deeper into the FOIA response, the FBI referenced exemptions (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C) to justify their refusal, which protect personnel and medical files from public disclosure. This rationale seems flimsy, especially when public interest in understanding Epps’ connections and the FBI’s awareness of his actions on January 6 is at stake.
As citizens, we have a right to transparency regarding who was involved in the January 6 events and what the FBI knew about them. The continued refusal to release this information suggests an organization more concerned about its image than the public’s right to know. The quest for clarity will persist, as Americans deserve to understand the complexities surrounding this pivotal day in history. It seems the FBI is more worried about potential fallout from these revelations than the actual consequences of their actions.
For those interested, you can view the full response from the FBI below:
