Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley are seeking information from the Justice Department’s inspector general regarding the presence of confidential human sources from DOJ agencies other than the FBI at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Inspector General Michael Horowitz previously disclosed that there were more than two dozen FBI informants in the crowd that day, with only three being assigned by the bureau. One of these informants entered the Capitol, while the other two were in the restricted area outside. Horowitz stated that none of the sources were authorized to break the law or encourage illegal activity.
Following the release of Horowitz’s report, Grassley and Johnson demanded information on whether confidential human sources from agencies other than the FBI were involved on January 6. Horowitz confirmed that the ATF, DEA, USMS, and BOP did not have any undercover employees or sources present in or around the Capitol. However, he could not definitively determine if any unassigned sources from these agencies were present on their own initiative. He is now reaching out to these agencies for further information on any unassigned sources who may have been present that day.
In his response to Grassley and Johnson, Horowitz stated that his investigation had focused primarily on the FBI’s use of confidential human sources. The senators are now seeking more detailed information on whether any federal law enforcement components had employees or contractors in civilian clothing present at the Capitol on January 6. They have also raised concerns about the review of classified and unclassified communications between handlers and their sources, warning that there may be gaps in the findings without a thorough examination of this information.
Horowitz explained that he reviewed relevant portions of FBI files related to confidential human sources present on January 6 and obtained emails documenting communications between handlers and sources. He clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that FBI personnel authorized any informants to engage in illegal activity that day. Grassley and Johnson have requested complete transparency and clarity regarding the Justice Department’s involvement in the events of January 6, emphasizing the need for thorough oversight by Horowitz to bring finality to the investigation.
The senators are calling on Horowitz to address their concerns and provide a comprehensive overview of the Justice Department’s role in the events of January 6. They expect him to fully comply with their requests for information and shed light on any potential misconduct or unauthorized activity related to confidential human sources. Grassley and Johnson stress the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency within the Justice Department to uphold public trust and maintain the integrity of the investigative process. They have reiterated their commitment to holding all relevant agencies accountable for their actions on January 6, 2021.
