Inspector General Michael Horowitz examined whether the FBI appropriately handled and assessed its confidential human sources and intelligence ahead of Jan. 6.

The report knocks down a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans that the FBI played a role in instigating the events of Jan. 6.

Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” screams “Freedom” inside the U.S. Senate chamber after the U.S. Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

A U.S. Justice Department watchdog report released on Thursday debunked claims by far-right conspiracy theorists who falsely alleged that FBI operatives were secretly involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.

A U.S. Justice Department watchdog report released Thursday debunked conspiracy theories that FBI operatives were secretly involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot even though the bureau did prepare for the possibility of violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a watchdog report

The Justice Department says four paid FBI informants entered the Capitol during the riot - none of whom were authorised to do so.