FBI criticized for handling politically sensitive matters.

Senate Democrats Blast FBI Over Handling of Capitol Riot

Senate Democrats have released a scathing report titled “Planned in Plain Sight,” criticizing the FBI for its handling of the lead-up to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The report highlights a series of security and intelligence failures, accusing federal agencies of downplaying and ignoring warnings of violence. Despite receiving multiple tips and being informed of plans circulating online, the agencies failed to fully assess the severity of the threat, according to the report.

Failure to Share Critical Intelligence

Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment in the intelligence agencies’ failure to sound the alarm and share crucial information that could have better prepared law enforcement for the events of Jan. 6. Peters described the agencies’ actions as a “shocking failure of imagination” and emphasized that their failure to analyze and share threat information contributed to the tragic attack on the Capitol.

The Senate report complements the findings of the House Jan. 6 committee, which focused on former President Donald Trump’s role in the riot. However, the Senate report primarily targets the inadequate response from top federal agencies, highlighting their failure to issue urgent warnings anticipating violence.

FBI’s Dismissal of Threats

The report alleges that the FBI did not take the threats seriously enough, dismissing each individual threat as not credible without considering the totality of threats and violent rhetoric. This includes failing to fully address threats from right-wing group Proud Boys, who were planning violence in the nation’s capital.

Challenging Times for the FBI

The release of this report comes at a challenging time for the FBI, as it faces calls for dismantlement from some Republicans who are outraged over Trump’s federal indictment and Hunter Biden’s plea deal. Trump was indicted for felony violations of national security laws and obstructing justice, while Hunter Biden faces charges related to tax offenses and a felony firearm offense.

Republicans argue that the charges against Hunter Biden fall short of addressing his alleged crimes related to foreign lobbying and money laundering. The Trump indictment and the perceived leniency of the Biden deal have intensified GOP outrage, with many Republicans claiming a two-tiered justice system that unfairly targets conservatives.