A recent report released by the Justice Department’s Inspector General, Michael Horowitz, has sparked critical questions about the FBI’s handling of intelligence leading up to the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. The report sheds light on the agency’s use of confidential human sources (CHS) and reveals significant shortcomings in intelligence management and coordination.
The investigation, led by Horowitz, examined the FBI’s deployment of confidential informants before and during January 6. The findings show that 26 such sources were present at the Capitol, exceeding the three officially assigned to monitor events. Four of these sources entered the Capitol building, while 13 accessed restricted areas outside. Nine sources remained in non-restricted areas and did not engage in any illegal activity.
The report confirms that none of the confidential sources were prosecuted or authorized by the FBI to commit or incite unlawful actions. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that these informants played leadership roles in organizing the events or directly incited violence. The findings raise important questions about the FBI’s readiness, oversight, and intelligence management during the events surrounding January 6.
