FBI Director Kash Patel says a definitive answer on FBI sources at the Capitol riot is coming and may shock Americans.

FBI Director Promises Clarity on January 6 Role

FBI Director Kash Patel announced that a long-awaited answer regarding the presence of FBI sources at the January 6 Capitol riot will soon be released. In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Patel said the public deserves clarity, and the information may "surprise and shock" Americans due to contradictions with prior leadership statements.

“People have had questions about January 6th and whether or not there were FBI sources – not agents, sources – on the ground during January 6,” Patel stated. “And I told you I would get you the definitive answer to that. And we have, and we are in the process again of working with our partners to divulge that information, and it is coming.”

Patel emphasized that former statements from FBI officials may not align with the facts now being disclosed, noting that “past FBI leaders” had not been fully transparent. He also underscored the bureau’s new commitment to transparency under his leadership, stating that the public deserves straightforward answers from the agency.

DOJ Report Revealed Confidential Source Presence

Patel’s remarks follow a December 2024 report by the Justice Department’s Inspector General Michael Horowitz, which examined the FBI’s use of confidential human sources leading up to the January 6, 2021, electoral certification. The report confirmed that 26 sources were present at the Capitol, with three specifically tasked by the FBI to attend the event.

According to the findings, one of those FBI-assigned sources entered the Capitol building, while the other two entered restricted areas outside. The report stressed that none were directed to break laws or incite illegal activity. Still, Patel referred to the DOJ findings as only a “piece of the truth.”

Under FBI policy, sources directed to attend events are compensated for their time. This detail has fueled further scrutiny into the bureau’s role and its obligations to inform the public and Congress accurately.

Criticism of Past FBI Testimony

Patel criticized former FBI Director Christopher Wray for not clearly addressing congressional inquiries about source presence. “Why it took a ton of time and questioning in Congress for the director to get that point is what I'm trying to eliminate from the FBI,” he said. “If Congress asks you a question under oath… you have to be prepared for that.”

His critique centers on Wray’s evasive responses, which Patel labeled as “D.C. answers,” and called for greater accountability in future testimony and oversight processes.

More Investigations Under Review

Patel also disclosed that the FBI is actively working on other unresolved matters. These include the investigation into pipe bombs planted outside political party offices on January 5, the cocaine discovered in the White House during President Biden’s term, and continued inquiries into the agency’s handling of the Trump-Russia probe, known as “Crossfire Hurricane.”

As the bureau moves forward under new leadership, Patel reiterated that delivering clarity and accountability is central to restoring public trust. “Answers are coming,” he said, indicating that transparency will define the FBI’s path ahead.