FBI Director Kash Patel recently announced that the Bureau is preparing to release more details about the use of confidential informants during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a subject that has fueled ongoing speculation and political debate.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Patel addressed one of the most persistent questions surrounding the events: whether the FBI had human sources embedded in the crowd. “There’s been a lot of public interest about whether informants—specifically, not agents, but sources—were present that day. I promised to get a clear answer, and we’ve made progress on that. The information is coming,” Patel said.
Patel suggested that the revelations could be surprising, especially in contrast to previous statements from senior FBI officials. “It may shock people, especially considering what some former leaders at the Bureau have said publicly,” he noted.
DOJ Inspector General’s Report:
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), led by Michael Horowitz, released a report in 2023 reviewing the FBI’s use of confidential human sources leading up to and during January 6. According to the report:
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26 informants were present at or near the Capitol.
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Only three of them were specifically tasked by the FBI to be there on that day.
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These sources were not instructed to engage in or encourage illegal activity.
Among the three FBI-assigned sources, one entered the Capitol building while two others crossed into restricted areas. The report noted that these informants were compensated for their time but emphasized that none were directed to provoke violence.
Accountability Questions:
FBI Director Kash Patel recently announced that the Bureau is preparing to release more details about the use of confidential informants during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a subject that has fueled ongoing speculation and political debate.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report,” Patel addressed one of the most persistent questions surrounding the events: whether the FBI had human sources embedded in the crowd. “There’s been a lot of public interest about whether informants—specifically, not agents, but sources—were present that day. I promised to get a clear answer, and we’ve made progress on that. The information is coming,” Patel said.
Patel suggested that the revelations could be surprising, especially in contrast to previous statements from senior FBI officials. “It may shock people, especially considering what some former leaders at the Bureau have said publicly,” he noted.
DOJ Inspector General’s Report:
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), led by Michael Horowitz, released a report in 2023 reviewing the FBI’s use of confidential human sources leading up to and during January 6. According to the report:
-
26 informants were present at or near the Capitol.
-
Only three of them were specifically tasked by the FBI to be there on that day.
-
These sources were not instructed to engage in or encourage illegal activity.
Among the three FBI-assigned sources, one entered the Capitol building while two others crossed into restricted areas. The report noted that these informants were compensated for their time but emphasized that none were directed to provoke violence.
Accountability Questions:
Patel also criticized former FBI Director Christopher Wray’s congressional testimony in late 2023. At the time, Wray was asked about the FBI’s role in the events of January 6, including the use of informants. Patel argued that Wray’s responses were evasive.
“When the Director of the FBI testifies under oath, he should provide direct answers to Congress,” Patel said. “We’re trying to eliminate the kind of vague, polished responses that have become all too common in Washington.”
Broader Implications:
The acknowledgment of informants being present during the Capitol breach has added another layer to the public’s understanding of the FBI’s intelligence operations. Although the use of confidential human sources is a routine part of law enforcement, the politically charged nature of January 6 has led to heightened scrutiny of how those sources were used.
Further disclosures from the FBI are expected in the coming weeks, and Patel has indicated that more comprehensive findings will be made available to the public and Congress.
Patel also criticized former FBI Director Christopher Wray’s congressional testimony in late 2023. At the time, Wray was asked about the FBI’s role in the events of January 6, including the use of informants. Patel argued that Wray’s responses were evasive.
“When the Director of the FBI testifies under oath, he should provide direct answers to Congress,” Patel said. “We’re trying to eliminate the kind of vague, polished responses that have become all too common in Washington.”
Broader Implications:
The acknowledgment of informants being present during the Capitol breach has added another layer to the public’s understanding of the FBI’s intelligence operations. Although the use of confidential human sources is a routine part of law enforcement, the politically charged nature of January 6 has led to heightened scrutiny of how those sources were used.
Further disclosures from the FBI are expected in the coming weeks, and Patel has indicated that more comprehensive findings will be made available to the public and Congress.
