Inspectors General Open Sweeping Review of Security Response to Capitol Riot

The inspectors general of the departments of Justice, Defense, Interior, and Homeland Security will open multiple investigations into the federal response to last week’s Capitol riot, The Washington Post reports.

The investigators plan to review the intelligence and preparations leading up to January 6 and actions taken during the riot.

The investigation, which will be led by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, will review who knew what and when, the extent to which intelligence was shared among agencies, and the role of DOJ personnel in responding to the riot, the DOJ Office of Inspector General said in a statement.

“The DOJ OIG also will assess whether there are any weaknesses in DOJ protocols, policies, or procedures that adversely affected the ability of DOJ or its components to prepare effectively for and respond to the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6,” the statement said. “If circumstances warrant, the DOJ OIG will consider examining other issues that may arise during the review.”

FBI warned of attack:

The review comes amid questions into the security lapse at the Capitol that allowed the pro-Trump mob to quickly overrun an overwhelmed Capitol Police force.

The Washington Post previously reported that the FBI office in Norfolk warned on January 5 about online discussions of a plan to attack Congress, break windows, push through doors, and “get violent … Get ready for war.”

FBI officials said that the information was circulated among other law enforcement agencies but some senior FBI officials told the outlet they never saw the intelligence.

Dozens of people in the city the day of the riot were also previously placed on terror watch lists.

Pentagon review:

The Defense Department’s inspector general will review “requests for DOD support leading up to the planned protest and its aftermath at the U.S. Capitol complex, the DOD’s response, and whether the DOD’s actions were lawful and supported by requirements according to regulations and applicable guidance.”

DC and Capitol Police officials said the Pentagon delayed the National Guard response when the Capitol was overrun while DOD leaders say Capitol officials repeatedly denied they offers of help ahead of the attack.

 

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