Senior FBI officials are reportedly defending the bureau’s actions before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, contending that many warnings appeared to be protected free speech because of their “aspirational” nature. In an extensive report published by The Washington Post, senior FBI officials argued in interviews and statements that the concerning discussions they observed online were largely “aspirational,” and thus safeguarded free speech in accordance with the First Amendment. They also said the observed chatter did not include thorough evidence that planning was underway, according to the Post, which was needed to set an investigation into motion.
