The long-awaited watchdog report on the Justice Department's handling of the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot is expected to be delayed until after the presidential election in November, according to Inspector General Michael Horowitz. During testimony to the GOP-led House subcommittee, Horowitz mentioned that a draft of the report is not yet ready for release and it is unlikely to be completed in time for the election.
Horowitz expressed hope that the report would be finalized before the presidential inauguration on January 20. However, he noted that the final version would need to undergo a thorough classification review process, which could further delay its release.
The investigation into the Justice Department's preparedness and response to the Capitol riot was initially announced in 2021 but was briefly paused as criminal investigations into the attack were conducted. The inquiry was reinitiated last year, with Horowitz's office collaborating with inspector generals from other departments to ensure a comprehensive review.
The scope of the review includes examining the information the agency had prior to the attack and identifying any weaknesses in its policies or protocols that may have hindered its ability to adequately prepare for or respond to the riot. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have faced criticism for allegedly overlooking warning signs of the planned attack, which was reportedly organized on social media platforms.
Former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House, has been indicted on election subversion charges related to January 6 but has pleaded not guilty. Trump has already begun casting doubt on the upcoming election results in case he loses to Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
As of last month, nearly 1,500 defendants have been charged in connection to the Capitol riot, highlighting the ongoing legal repercussions stemming from the events of January 6.
