FBI director Wray testifies that he didn't know Parler warned them about possible violence on Jan. 6



Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that he did not know that Parler had alerted the FBI about violent plans for the rally on Jan. 6 that turned into rioting.

Parler, the social media app touted for its emphasis on free speech, was deplatformed after being accused of allowing violent rhetoric to flourish ahead of the chaos at the Capitol.

The revelation came during congressional testimony about the Jan. 6 rioting that Democrats blame on former President Donald Trump.

Democratic Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (N.Y.) played a video for the House Oversight Committee about the events of Jan. 6 that included the alarming number of times Parler contacted the FBI.

"The threats, I would say, were everywhere," Maloney said. "The system was blinking red."

Wray was questioned by Maloney about the reports from Parler, and he said that he didn't know anything about them, according to the New York Times.

"I do not recall hearing about this particular email," Wray responded. "I'm not aware of Parler ever trying to contact my office."

Maloney said that Capitol Police requested urgently for help from the National Guard twelve times during the rioting, but that Army leaders had the National Guard "stand down" fives times.

"That response took far too long," said Maloney. "This is a shocking failure."

Parler had complained in a letter in March that they had been unfairly maligned for not doing enough to prevent the violence at the Capitol. The letter outlined some of the instances of violent plots that the social media company had forwarded to the FBI, including many related to the Jan. 6 pro-Trump rally.

Trump has denied any responsibility for the rioting but has continued to claim that the election was stolen from him.

Here's more about Parler and the FBI:

Parler says it warned FBI before Capitol riotwww.youtube.com

6 Capitol officers suspended for alleged role in Jan 6 rioting, 29 others under investigation



6 Capitol Police officers have been suspended with pay for their alleged role in the rioting on Jan. 6, and 29 other officers have been placed under investigation.

A department spokesperson told CNN Thursday that officers could face punishment for violating their policies during the rioting .

"Our Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the actions of 35 police officers from that day. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman has directed that any member of her department whose behavior is not in keeping with the Department's Rules of Conduct will face appropriate discipline," said John Stolnis.

Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio said that one of the suspended officers had taken a selfie with the rioters, while another had worn a "Make America Great Again" hat and helped direct them at the Capitol building.

Four protesters died at the Capitol rioting while one Capitol Police officer died and another two officers committed suicide in the days following the incident. Early reports indicated that the officer, Brian Sicknick, had been died from injuries he suffered from being hit by a fire extinguisher, but that account changed weeks later after more through investigation.

Gus Papathanasiou, the head of the Capitol Police Labor Committee, said that other officers received serious injuries including cracked ribs, brain injuries, and smashed spinal discs. Another officer was stabbed with a metal stake, while a different officer would lose an eye from his injuries.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and the sergeants-at-arms resigned in the days following the rioting.

Law enforcement officials have charged over 230 Capitol rioters. Some, like Garret Miller, 34, of Richardson, Texas, apologized for their actions and said they would be willing to testify before Congress about their actions. Federal prosecutors have said they have opened over 400 investigations into other possible criminals.

Here's more fallout from the Capitol rioting:

Second officer commits suicide after responding to Capitol riotwww.youtube.com