FBI Stumped by QAnon:
Newly-released documents reveal the Bureau’s struggle to identify the figure behind the far-right conspiracy movement, raising questions about its investigative capabilities.
In a recent data dump, the FBI disclosed previously unreleased reports, including an investigation into the infamous QAnon conspiracy theory. Business Insider first reported the FBI’s weak findings, stating, “The FBI couldn’t figure out who was behind QAnon.” This revelation raises questions about the Bureau’s investigative prowess.
In 2018, the FBI’s Field Office in New York initiated an investigation into QAnon after a tip suggested a government employee was disseminating classified information. The report, found on page 12, showed an attempt to subpoena an individual, whose name was redacted. This search proved fruitless, as the FBI was unable to conclusively identify the person behind QAnon or verify any government affiliation.
The documents stated, “FBI agents said QAnon’s leader ‘has not publicly revealed their identity’ and ‘it is unknown whether QAnon is actually affiliated with the US Government.'” Despite their best efforts, subpoenas, and resources, the FBI couldn’t determine the individual behind the extremist movement.
Business Insider further highlighted the FBI’s inconclusive findings: “The documents say the FBI New York office ‘attempted’ to identify the leader behind the QAnon internet persona through subpoenas, but it did not appear to come up with a conclusion.”
In conclusion, the FBI closed its investigation into QAnon without identifying any criminal subjects. If this esteemed agency struggles to uncover the truth behind such a widely-known conspiracy, what does it say about their other capabilities? Are we witnessing a decline in the FBI’s abilities? This report creates more concerns than it answers.
