No Undercover FBI Agents Involved
A recent Justice Department watchdog report has concluded that no undercover FBI agents were present during the 2021 January 6 Capitol riot, debunking long-standing claims from allies of former President Donald Trump. For years, Trump supporters and some GOP lawmakers have suggested that federal agents provoked the violence to disrupt an otherwise peaceful rally aimed at contesting Joe Biden’s election victory.
While the inspector general’s report confirmed that no FBI agents were undercover at the January 6 Capitol Riot, it revealed that 26 FBI confidential informants, or paid human sources, were in Washington, D.C., that day. Importantly, none of the informants were authorized to break the law or encourage violence. The report also criticized the FBI for failing to canvass all field offices for relevant intelligence that could have helped law enforcement prepare for the attack.
The inspector general noted that the FBI inaccurately told Congress it had conducted a full field office canvass for intelligence. However, this misstep was deemed unintentional.
Informants’ Presence and Role
Out of the 26 informants identified, three had been specifically assigned to monitor individuals suspected of domestic terrorism who were expected to attend the January 6 rallies. One informant entered the Capitol, while the other two remained outside. The remaining 23 informants went to Washington on their own volition, without specific direction from the FBI. Among them, three entered the Capitol, 11 entered the grounds, and the remaining nine did not break any laws.
Several informants provided information about extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, as well as concerns for lawmakers’ safety. However, the inspector general emphasized that this information was consistent with other intelligence the FBI received before January 6, including social media warnings and tips from various sources.
The report clarified that no informants have faced criminal charges and firmly dismissed theories suggesting that the FBI instigated or orchestrated the violence. FBI Director Christopher Wray reiterated this stance last November, stating unequivocally, “This is not violence orchestrated by FBI sources or agents.”
Recommendations and FBI’s Response
The inspector general recommended that the FBI improve its processes for handling domestic security events that are not officially designated as national security events by the Department of Homeland Security—like January 6, 2021. It noted that future events, such as January 6, 2025, have already received this designation to ensure better preparedness.
In response to the report, the FBI acknowledged certain shortcomings but disagreed with some of the inspector general’s assertions. The bureau stated that it had directed “multiple field offices” to provide intelligence before January 6 and emphasized its ongoing efforts to improve processes for future events. Despite disagreements, the FBI accepted the recommendations outlined in the report.
Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers continue to push theories of federal involvement, contributing to public skepticism. A poll earlier this year found that 25% of Americans believe it is “probably” or “definitely” true that the FBI instigated the riot. As Trump promises potential pardons for individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes related to the January 6 Capitol Riot attack, the debate over law enforcement’s role and preparedness remains a contentious issue.
