A recent report from the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz has shed light on the FBI's use of confidential human sources (CHSs) during the events of January 6, 2021. The report confirms the presence of 26 CHSs at the Capitol that day, with only three specifically assigned by the Bureau to be there. The other 23 were present of their own volition.
Of the three assigned CHSs, one entered the Capitol building, while the remaining two entered the restricted area surrounding the building. These individuals were compensated by the FBI for their time. The report emphasizes that none of the CHSs were instructed by the FBI to engage in illegal activities, enter the Capitol, or encourage others to break the law.
The report also clarifies the FBI's role on January 6th. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hadn't designated the event at the highest security level, the FBI did take preparatory measures. Horowitz concluded that these steps were both significant and appropriate.
A scene from the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Among the 23 CHSs who were present on their own initiative, three entered the Capitol building, and 11 entered the restricted area. Importantly, the investigation found no evidence of undercover FBI employees within the protest crowds or inside the Capitol building.
Regarding reimbursements, the report notes at least one instance where a CHS received reimbursement for travel expenses, despite only being tasked with attending the Inauguration and not the January 6th certification.
The FBI has responded to the report, accepting the recommendations and highlighting their cooperation with other agencies, including DHS, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police, in preparing for the 2025 electoral certification and Presidential Inauguration. The DHS has since designated the 2025 event as a national special security event.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan reacted to the report, expressing concerns about agencies being weaponized against citizens. He highlighted the timing of the report's release, shortly after FBI Director Christopher Wray's resignation announcement.
