Key Takeaways:
– The Justice Department found no evidence supporting the assertion that FBI agents stirred the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
– Despite the report, new MAGA conspiracy theories abound, led mostly by top MAGA movement lawyer Mike Davis.
– Davis questions why FBI informants present during the riot aren’t prosecuted and hints at the possibility of defendants citing entrapment for their defense.
Confusion Rises Despite Clear Findings
In the passing hours following the release of an inspector general report from the Justice Department, new conspiracy theories from the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have emerged. This comes despite the report uncovering no proof linking the FBI to instigating the January 6 Capitol riot, a popular assertion in right-wing circles.
Debate Stirs Among MAGA Supporters
Top MAGA movement lawyer, Mike Davis, was not swayed by the results of the government’s report, and expressed doubts about its timing. He alluded that the release of the report was the prime reason behind FBI Director Christopher Wray’s unexpected resignation, which had received a lot of criticism.
In his appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, Davis shared, “I think that’s probably one of the big reasons that Chris Wray chose to announce his resignation – he knew this was coming out from the IG and there must be accountability.”
Davis Unsettled by FBI Informants’ Presence
Subsequently, Davis focused on the acknowledgement by the FBI in the report that at least three confidential human sources were in the vicinity of the Capitol during the riot. None of these informants had been given permission to enter the Capitol or any restricted area.
Davis questioned the lack of prosecution against these informants, echoing his sentiments on the podcast, “Why weren’t they prosecuted like the other January 6 defendants? And that’s the ultimate tell.”
Further Legal Defense for Defendants Predicted
Davis also touched on the possibility of an alternate legal defense by the January 6 defendants in their criminal cases. He proposed that if paid federal informants were instigating the chaos or encouraging people to trespass as seen on videos, then the defendants could potentially claim entrapment.
Discussion Around Different Attendee Groups
According to Davis, there are ‘three categories of people’ present at the January 6 event. Firstly, those who attended ‘peacefully’, secondly, those who trespassed, and thirdly, those who were violent. Davis added that the last group should face stricter consequences.
Despite these divisive statements, it is worth noting that the Justice Department’s report presents a clear findings and any alternate conspiracy theories arising are unfounded until proven otherwise.