Grassley, Johnson press DOJ IG to respond on whether ‘untasked’ undercover agents were present on Jan. 6
Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley have raised concerns about the presence of unassigned or “untasked” confidential human sources from DOJ agencies other than the FBI at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. In a recent development, DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz disclosed that there were over two dozen FBI confidential human sources in the crowd outside the Capitol that day, with only three of them being assigned by the bureau.
According to Horowitz’s report, one of the three FBI-assigned confidential human sources entered the Capitol building, while the other two entered the restricted area around the Capitol. These sources were paid by the FBI for their time and were not authorized to break the law or encourage illegal acts.
In response to demands from Senators Grassley and Johnson, Horowitz confirmed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) did not have any undercover employees or tasked confidential human sources present in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021.
However, Horowitz was unable to definitively say whether any of these agencies had untasked confidential human sources present on their own initiative that day. In light of this, the DOJ inspector general’s office is now inquiring with these agencies to gather more information on the matter.
Senators Grassley and Johnson have pressed Horowitz to provide more details on the involvement of confidential human sources from various federal law enforcement components on January 6, 2021. They are seeking clarity on whether any employees or contractors from FBI, ATF, DEA, USMS, or BOP were present in civilian clothing at the Capitol or in restricted areas during the events of that day.
In addition, Grassley and Johnson have expressed concerns about the scope of Horowitz’s investigation, questioning whether all relevant communications between handlers and sources were thoroughly reviewed. They have emphasized the need for complete transparency and clarity regarding the Justice Department’s role in the events of January 6, 2021.
As the investigation continues, Senators Grassley and Johnson are calling on Inspector General Horowitz to fully comply with their requests and provide a comprehensive understanding of the extent of DOJ agencies’ involvement in the Capitol incident. The American people deserve to know the full truth, and Horowitz must ensure a thorough investigation to shed light on every aspect of the department he oversees.
In conclusion, the demands for transparency and accountability in the investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, highlight the importance of uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The efforts of Senators Grassley and Johnson underscore the need for a thorough and comprehensive examination of the role of confidential human sources from various DOJ agencies in the Capitol incident.
