A 45-page government report from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Interior Department has unveiled that organizers of the Jan. 6 rally, which preceded the U.S. Capitol attack, intentionally hid crucial security information from the National Park Service. The concealed details, if disclosed, would have significantly altered security plans for the event, as disclosed by ABC News on Tuesday, December 19.
The report meticulously scrutinized preparations for the “Save America” rally, placing a spotlight on the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, both under the jurisdiction of the Interior Department.
DOI Inspector General Mark Lee Greenblatt emphasized the report’s historical significance, calling it a vital addition to understanding the events leading up to and during Jan. 6.
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Key findings of the report underscored failures on the part of the National Park Service and event organizers, Women for America First (WFAF).
While the U.S. Park Police adhered to policies on Jan. 6, the National Park Service was found negligent in safety reviews, site inspections, and public notifications about prohibited items at the Ellipse.
Simultaneously, WFAF organizers intentionally withheld information about then-President Donald Trump’s attendance and the planned march to the Capitol.
The report revealed that WFAF failed to disclose information about Trump’s likely attendance and actively concealed details of the planned march despite clear requests from the National Park Service.
Contrary to earlier statements, confirmation of Trump’s attendance was received from the Secret Service on Jan. 1. Text messages exchanged between WFAF representatives and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell suggested an anticipated march, contradicting earlier denials.
Quoting a park ranger, the report emphasized the deception, stating, “basically she lied to all of us,” in reference to the WFAF representative.
The intentional nondisclosure impacted permit approvals, as revealing the march plans would have triggered heightened security measures and coordination with law enforcement.
Despite warning signs of potential violence, the report concluded that the National Park Service lacked evidence to deny permits based on safety grounds.
Conflicting intelligence reports on the threat of violence were noted, with the Park Police’s intelligence arm warning of almost certain violence if opposing groups came into close contact.
The report further criticized the National Park Service for procedural failures, including a lack of site inspection, loss of critical photographs, and insufficient public notice about prohibited items.
These lapses endangered attendees and hampered damage reimbursement efforts, with over $230,000 in damages identified but insufficient evidence due to lost photos.
In the aftermath of the rally, law enforcement faced challenges as hundreds of abandoned bags, potentially containing explosives, were left unexamined.
Screening inconsistencies allowed individuals to enter with prohibited items, including an AR-15 assault rifle and a pitchfork.
The report concludes that the intentional withholding of critical information significantly contributed to the security lapses on Jan. 6, highlighting the imperative need for transparency and adherence to safety protocols in organizing large-scale events of national importance.
