All we heard for years was that Republicans wanted to destroy democracy. But now the shoe is on the other foot.
And a game-changing report on FBI involvement during January 6th changes everything.
Unveiling New Details on January 6
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the bureau is preparing to release information about its confidential human sources (CHSs) present during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach by supporters of then-President Trump.
“People have had questions about Jan. 6 and whether or not there were FBI sources, not agent sources, on the ground during Jan. 6,” Patel said on Fox News.
He promised a definitive answer, stating, “I told you I would get you the definitive answer to that, and we have, and we are in the process of working with our partners to divulge that information.”
Patel emphasized the significance of the forthcoming details, adding, “I will tell you this: The answer to that question will surprise and shock people, because of what past FBI leaders have said about it.”
Addressing Past FBI Transparency Issues
Patel criticized his predecessor, Christopher Wray, who had acknowledged to Congress that FBI CHSs were present around the Capitol during the riot but provided limited details.
Patel described Wray’s admission as a “piece of the truth,” expressing frustration with the lack of candor.
“Why it took a ton of time for questioning in Congress for the director to get to that point is what I’m trying to eliminate from the FBI,” Patel said.
He stressed the importance of straightforward responses, stating, “If Congress asks you a question under oath, whether or not there were sources in and around Jan. 6 at the Capitol, you, as the director of the FBI, need to know that and not deflect and give a D.C. answer.”
Patel’s comments signal a push for greater transparency within the bureau regarding its actions on January 6.
Confirming Informant Presence and Investigation Findings
A July 2023 report by The Washington Times, citing an FBI whistleblower’s testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, revealed that at least 25 FBI CHSs were at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, though their presence was deemed “problematic” by agency leadership, who instructed personnel not to acknowledge it.
The Department of Justice Inspector General’s December 2024 investigation confirmed these findings, noting that over two dozen FBI informants were in Washington during the unrest, with four entering the Capitol and 13 others breaching restricted grounds without entering the building.
The IG clarified, “None of these FBI CHSs were authorized to enter the Capitol or a restricted area, or to otherwise break the law on Jan. 6, nor was any CHS directed by the FBI to encourage others to commit illegal acts on Jan. 6.”
None of the informants faced prosecution for their involvement, and no undercover FBI employees were found to have participated in the protests.
Patel’s pledge to disclose new details about January 6 highlights ongoing efforts to clarify the FBI’s role, while raising questions about past transparency and the actions of informants during the Capitol breach.
