A recent report released by the Justice Department’s Inspector General, Michael Horowitz, has shed new light on the FBI’s handling of confidential human sources (CHS) during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. The report’s findings have sparked critical questions about the FBI’s preparedness and oversight leading up to and during the events of that day.
The investigation, led by Horowitz, examined the FBI’s deployment of confidential informants in the days and hours leading up to January 6. The report revealed that a staggering 26 confidential sources were present at the Capitol, significantly more than the three sources officially assigned to monitor the events. Furthermore, four of these sources entered the Capitol building, 13 accessed restricted areas outside, and nine remained in non-restricted areas without engaging in any illegal activity.
The report’s findings confirm that none of the confidential sources were prosecuted for their actions, nor were they authorized by the FBI to commit or incite unlawful acts. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that these informants played leadership roles in organizing the events of January 6 or directly incited violence. As the report’s findings continue to spark debate and raise questions, one thing is clear: the events of January 6, 2021, remain a complex and multifaceted issue that warrants further examination and scrutiny.
