The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had a significant presence at the Capitol Hill riot on January 6, with 274 plainclothes agents reported to be present, according to Blaze News, which cited an unnamed senior congressional source. This revelation challenges the bureau’s prior denial of having undercover personnel at the scene, prompting questions about the nature and extent of the agency’s involvement during the unrest.
The Department of Justice had previously stated there were no undercover employees in the crowds, though it acknowledged the presence of 26 FBI confidential informants. The agency confirmed that four of these informants entered the Capitol with the crowd and that only three were summoned to report on potential domestic terrorism subjects. This discrepancy raises questions about the interpretation of terms such as ‘undercover employees’ versus ‘plainclothes agents,’ which could reflect different operational strategies.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the report, vowing to investigate the claims and bring ‘dirty cops and crooked politicians’ to justice. He claimed the agents may have acted as agitators and insurrectionists during the events, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Trump has called for a thorough investigation into the FBI’s role, highlighting the personal and national stakes of the incident for many who were affected.