WP "US FBI Overlooked Intelligence Weeks Before Capitol Riot"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) overlooked intelligence it had received weeks before the Washington DC Capitol riot, which shocked the United States.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 31st (local time), this circumstance was uncovered during an internal investigation of the Capitol riot that occurred in January.

The report states that judicial agencies, including the FBI, had received intelligence weeks before January 6?the day of the Capitol riot?indicating the possibility of violent incidents. Among this intelligence was information that supporters of then-President Donald Trump were seeking ways to smuggle firearms into Washington DC through online channels.

These supporters were also reportedly conspiring to overpower police and detain lawmakers.

On January 2, just days before the riot, warning signals were activated nationwide, led by Washington DC authorities.

These warnings were based on a regional alert system established after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, revealing plans circulating on social media for supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6 and harm lawmakers.

Accordingly, Washington DC officials shared real-time intelligence with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and military intelligence agencies; however, these agencies did not take further action, WP reported.

As warned, the Capitol riot became a reality on January 6, resulting in bloodshed as Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. WP noted that four people died and over 100 police officers were injured that day.

WP explained that this conclusion was reached based on interviews with more than 230 officials, thousands of pages of court and judicial documents, as well as videos, photos, and recordings.

The U.S. House of Representatives has formed a special investigative committee to probe the incident, and so far, over 600 individuals have been charged with violent acts and other offenses.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.