A new Department of Justice report sheds light on the FBI’s involvement during the January 6 Capitol riot, revealing the presence of confidential human sources (CHS) in Washington, D.C. that day. The FBI had 26 confidential human sources (CHS) in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. None of these sources had authorization to break the law or encourage violence during the Capitol riot.
The report, released Thursday by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, contradicts conspiracy theories claiming the FBI orchestrated the attack. It confirms that while the FBI had sources present, the agency did not instruct anyone to commit illegal acts.
“None of these FBI CHSs were authorized by the FBI to enter the Capitol or a restricted area or to commit illegal acts,” the report states.
Out of the 26 sources, the FBI assigned three to report on specific suspects linked to domestic terrorism cases. One of these sources entered the Capitol during the riot. The remaining 23 sources traveled to Washington, D.C., on their own, without instructions from the FBI to attend the rally. Three entered the Capitol, and 11 entered restricted areas around the building.
The report clarifies that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has not prosecuted any sources who entered the Capitol or restricted areas.
The report also emphasizes that while the FBI did not encourage the violence, it failed to canvass its field offices for intelligence on potential threats leading up to the riot. This oversight left the agency unprepared for the events of January 6.
As legal proceedings continue for over 1,200 people charged in connection with the riot, President elect Donald Trump has suggested he would pardon January 6 defendants if he returns to office. Trump recently voiced support for commuting sentences and pardoning those involved, calling their treatment an “abuse and miscarriage of justice.”
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.