The FBI had 26 confidential sources present at the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol, according to a report from the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. Contrary to some theories, there were no undercover FBI agents on the National Mall that day.
The report stated that none of the FBI’s confidential sources were authorized to enter the Capitol or restricted areas, nor were they directed to encourage illegal activities. While four sources did enter the Capitol and another 13 entered restricted areas, nine sources did not engage in any illegal activities.
The FBI’s preparation for the event was deemed effective in part of its role that day. After the Capitol was breached, the FBI deployed tactical assets to help clear the Capitol of protesters and secure the perimeter. The FBI disputed some findings in the report but agreed with the recommendations for potential process improvements for future events.
It was noted that the FBI did not ask field offices to collect information from informants ahead of the rally, a point of criticism in the report. Despite this, the FBI took significant steps to prepare for its supporting role and identified potential domestic terrorism subjects planning to attend the event.
Overall, the FBI’s tactical support function on January 6 was deemed effective. The agency accepted the OIG’s recommendations for potential process improvements in future events.
For more details, you can read the full report here. This information was syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
