The FBI likes to bait people into attempting to commit a crime, with the intent of then arresting them. Wouldn't surprise me in the least that this is one of these baiting attempts that got out of control. If it is, they'll of course cover it up. Much like the fiasco in Las Vegas.
Some people have suggested that provoking then observing might have been the reason for the “Sydney siege” at the Lindt cafe. Many people reported the gunman to the authorities in the weeks leading up to this event. He was making raving threats. He was also before the courts on other charges but got bail.