An independent investigation led by Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz has concluded that there is no evidence the FBI incited violence during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The report, released on December 12, 2024, states that no undercover FBI employees were involved in the riots. While 26 FBI informants were present in Washington, D.C. on that day, none were authorized to participate in or incite illegal acts [b9bbd42c].
The findings come amidst ongoing scrutiny of the FBI's actions and preparedness in the face of the Capitol riot. The report recommends that the FBI reassess its policies to better prepare for potential security issues in future events [b9bbd42c]. This investigation is significant as it addresses various conspiracy theories suggesting that the FBI played a role in instigating the violence that occurred during the attack on the Capitol, which sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
The release of this report adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding the events of January 6, as lawmakers and the public continue to grapple with the implications of the riot and the responses from law enforcement agencies. The FBI's role has been a focal point in discussions about accountability and transparency in government operations [b9bbd42c].