By Steve Neavling
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security failed to properly communicate the risks and dangers ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to a report released by a Senate committee.
The Homeland Security Committee concluded the agencies downplayed the potential for violence, making it impossible for the federal government to prepare for what was to come.
The 105-page report, titled “Planned in Plain Sight,” found the FBI and Department of Homeland Security “failed to fully and accurately assess the severity of the threat identified by that intelligence, and formally disseminate guidance to their law enforcement partners with sufficient urgency and alarm to enable those partners to prepare for the violence that ultimately occurred on January 6th.”
The report also blames the agencies for failing to believe the intelligence tips they were receiving.
One tip received in December 2020 warned authorities to “please please take this tip seriously and investigate further,” pointing to the risks posed by the far-right Proud Boys group.
Despite the plethora of social media activity and tips about potential violence, the FBI only issued two Jan. 6-specific documents, both on the night before the attack.
“FBI also did not develop certain tips about January 6th because they were deemed not credible, contrary to FBI policy that requires every tip received to be logged as long as it meets an ‘authorized purpose’ for investigation, regardless of credibility,” the report states.
The attack led to the deaths of six people, injuries to more than 100 police officers, and more than 1,000 arrests. Four police officers later committed suicide.
