Ex-FBI Official: Bureau Lost Count of Capitol Breach Sources
Audit Reveals FBI Lost Track of Informants Involved in Capitol Breach
A former senior FBI official revealed to House lawmakers that the bureau conducted an internal audit after losing track of the number of informants and sources involved in the January 6 U.S. Capitol breach.
Steven D’Antuono, former assistant director-in-charge of the Washington Field Office, testified before the House Judiciary Committee in June that his office discovered there were confidential human sources (CHS) from various field offices and other informants who independently went to the Capitol. This information was detailed in a letter sent to FBI Director Christopher Wray about the bureau’s use of confidential sources.
During the hearing, Chairman Jim Jordan asked D’Antuono if he knew about the sources and if the FBI was aware they would be present among the protestors. D’Antuono responded affirmatively, stating that it was his belief that the FBI had prior knowledge.
The letter further explained that due to the large number of CHSs present at the Capitol, the Washington Field Office requested assistance from FBI Headquarters to determine how many CHSs had been in attendance. The office received responses after reaching out to headquarters.
One example provided by D’Antuono involved a source from the Kansas City Field Office who had been in contact with their handler while in the crowd. The source allegedly attempted to prevent some of the illegal activities before leaving.
These revelations have raised concerns about the FBI’s ability to track its informants and control their actions. House Judiciary Committee member Rep. Darrell Issa expressed his worry, suggesting that the FBI’s involvement may have contributed to the events of that day.
Rep. Thomas Massie also questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about the number of agents and assets present on January 5 and 6, to which Garland responded that he did not know.
MASSIE: “How many agents or assets of the government were present on January 5th and January 6th.. Can you answer that now?”
GARLAND: “I don’t know the answer to that question.”
MASSIE: “I think you may have just perjured yourself that you don’t know if there were any” pic.twitter.com/a04nkeBGm9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 20, 2023
Speculation about the number of FBI informants present during the Capitol breach arises as the Department of Justice continues to charge individuals with January 6-related federal crimes. Over 1,100 people have been charged, with more than 650 pleading guilty and over 600 sentenced.
Former FBI official George Hill previously claimed that the bureau denied access to 11,000 hours of U.S. Capitol video footage on January 6 to protect the identities of undercover officers and informants present that day.
Former Capitol Hill Police Chief Steven Sund stated that the FBI had at least 18 undercover agents in the crowd on January 6, along with paid informants and other authorities from the Department of Homeland Security.
It has been reported that the FBI spends an average of $42 million annually on payments to its Confidential Human Sources.
During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Rep. Clay Higgins asked FBI Director Christopher Wray if there were any confidential human sources dressed as Trump supporters during the Capitol riot. Wray denied the presence of FBI informants in the crowd and dismissed any suggestion of FBI involvement in orchestrating the events.
What are the potential risks and consequences of the FBI’s failure to effectively monitor and control its informants in relation to the Capitol breach?
And about the FBI’s handling of informants and sources in relation to the Capitol breach. He pressed Garl and stated, ”You can’t investigate yourselves, and you certainly can’t be trusted to hold yourselves accountable.”
This audit and the subsequent revelations have raised serious concerns about the FBI’s ability to effectively monitor and control its informants. The agency’s reliance on confidential human sources is crucial for gathering intelligence and preventing criminal activities. However, if the FBI cannot keep track of these sources or ensure their actions align with the agency’s objectives, it raises questions about their effectiveness and accountability.
The use of informants can be a double-edged sword. While they provide valuable information and access to criminal networks, there is always a risk that the informant may have their own agenda or engage in unauthorized activity. It is essential for law enforcement agencies like the FBI to have stringent protocols in place to mitigate these risks and ensure that informants operate within the parameters set by the agency.
The failure to properly track and account for informants involved in the Capitol breach not only undermines the credibility of the FBI but also raises concerns about potential entrapment or manipulation. If informants are allowed to act independently without proper oversight, it compromises the integrity of investigations and prosecutions.
This revelation also calls into question the FBI’s transparency and willingness to disclose information to Congress and the public. The fact that this internal audit only came to light during a congressional hearing suggests a lack of openness and accountability within the agency. It is crucial for the American people to have confidence in the FBI’s actions, and this incident raises doubts about the agency’s ability to uphold its mandate.
Moving forward, it is imperative that the FBI takes immediate steps to address these shortcomings and regain public trust. This includes implementing stricter protocols for the handling and monitoring of informants, enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, and conducting a comprehensive review of its informant program. The FBI must prioritize the protection of civil liberties while effectively carrying out its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect national security.
In conclusion, the recent audit revealing the FBI’s loss of track of informants involved in the Capitol breach is deeply concerning. It raises questions about the agency’s ability to effectively monitor and control its informants, as well as its transparency and accountability to Congress and the American people. The FBI must take immediate action to rectify these issues, ensuring that informants operate within the agency’s guidelines and that the public can have confidence in its actions. Failure to do so risks further erosion of public trust and compromises the FBI’s ability to carry out its vital mission.
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