‘They Were Flat Wrong:’ Sen. Mark Warner Says FBI Repeatedly Assured Him Trump Supporter Threat Was Under Control

Topline

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said he had been in contact with the FBI before Wednesday to raise concerns about Trump supporters gathering in Washington—even speaking directly with Deputy Director David Bowdich, according to The Wall Street Journal—but Warner said the federal law enforcement agency repeatedly told him that “they had the resources and appropriate intelligence to take on this threat.”

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“They were flat wrong. Yesterday was an embarrassment to their response,” Warner said during a briefing Thursday.

Key Background

The Trump-supporting mob forced its way past police, and at times moved unimpeded through the Capitol building as members of Congress sought shelter. Many have questioned how the police could have been so unprepared for the show of force by Trump supporters, who openly planned the assault online. Some members of the mob even wore t-shirts with the writing “Civil War January 6, 2021” on them as they descended on Washington. The police response was in stark contrast to what was seen last year during Black Lives Matter protests, when police forces in Washington used violence against peaceful protesters. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund announced Thursday that he would be resigning from his post, after earlier defending how Capitol Police handled rioters.

Further Reading

Sen. Mark Warner Says FBI Assured Him Prior to Rioting Situation Would Be Under Control (The Wall Street Journal)

Woman Killed At Capitol Identified As Air Force Veteran From San Diego (Forbes)

‘What If They Were Black?’: Commentators, Twitter Users Denounce ‘Double Standard’ As Cops Take Selfies With Capitol Protesters (Forbes)

Capitol Police Chief Resigns Over Pro-Trump Riots (Forbes)

Capitol Police Chief Defends Handling Of Pro-Trump Riots As Top Lawmaker Warns Of Firings For ‘Embarrassing’ Response (Forbes)