The recently released report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz concerning the presence of FBI confidential human sources (CHSs) at the January 6th Capitol riot has sparked further inquiry from Senate Republicans. While the report confirmed the presence of 26 FBI informants, with only three officially assigned to the event, Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson are pressing for greater transparency and a more comprehensive investigation. Their primary concern revolves around the potential involvement of CHSs from other Department of Justice (DOJ) components beyond the FBI, a facet they believe the report may have overlooked. This raises the possibility of a “major blind spot” in the findings, potentially obscuring a more complete picture of the events that unfolded that day.
The senators’ concerns stem from the sheer volume of information Horowitz’s office reviewed – over 500,000 documents from the DOJ and its various components. This vast data set included CHS reports, tips provided to the FBI, investigative records, emails, instant messages, phone records, meeting notes, chronologies, after-action assessments, training materials, policy guides, and press conference preparatory materials. Grassley and Johnson argue that without a precise explanation of which records were specifically sought and received from each DOJ agency, it remains unclear whether the review truly encompassed all relevant information concerning the presence and activities of CHSs.
At the heart of their inquiry is the need to ascertain whether other DOJ agencies, besides the FBI, had deployed undercover CHSs or agents in the Washington, D.C. area or at the Capitol building on January 6th. They are also demanding clarification on whether all communications between DOJ agency handlers and these sources were obtained, including those on classified and unclassified non-email platforms. Furthermore, the senators are requesting access to all FD-1023 forms, which are confidential human source reporting documents, to gain a deeper understanding of the intelligence gathered and the role of CHSs in the events leading up to and during the riot.
The senators’ insistence on a thorough investigation stems from their belief that the currently available information represents only a fraction of the story. Senator Johnson, in particular, expressed concern that the report may be incomplete, emphasizing the need for full transparency to ensure Congress and the public have an accurate understanding of the events. He urges the Inspector General’s office to disclose precisely what materials it reviewed and what, if any, information related to other DOJ components’ involvement was excluded. This, he argues, is crucial for establishing a complete and accurate narrative of the day’s events.
Senator Grassley echoed these concerns, emphasizing the American public’s right to a full and transparent account of DOJ involvement on January 6th. He insists that the investigation must encompass not only the FBI’s role but also the potential activities of CHSs from other DOJ agencies. This includes determining whether these individuals were present at the Capitol, their specific roles, and the extent of the DOJ’s knowledge of their involvement. Grassley called on Horowitz and his team to intensify their efforts, ensuring a comprehensive review of all relevant information and providing a satisfactory response to their inquiry.
The senators’ demand for further investigation and greater transparency underscores the lingering questions surrounding the events of January 6th. The focus on the potential involvement of CHSs from agencies beyond the FBI raises the stakes, suggesting the possibility of a more complex and layered story than previously understood. Their insistence on accessing all relevant documents and communications emphasizes their commitment to uncovering the full truth, regardless of where the evidence leads. Ultimately, Grassley and Johnson aim to ensure accountability and provide the American people with a complete and accurate understanding of the roles played by various government agencies in the events of that day.
