During a Senate confirmation hearing for FBI Director nominee Kash Patel, a heated exchange unfolded between Patel and Senator Dick Durbin concerning the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6th events. Durbin questioned whether these pardons enhanced public safety, citing the assault of law enforcement officers. Patel countered by referencing President Biden's commutation of Leonard Peltier's sentence, who was convicted of murdering two FBI agents. Patel emphasized his commitment to holding those who endanger law enforcement and communities accountable but also questioned whether releasing someone who killed FBI agents truly improved safety. He stated he hadn’t reviewed all 1,600 pardon cases individually.
Durbin attempted to distinguish between Peltier's case and the January 6th pardons, noting Peltier's advanced age and long imprisonment before being granted home confinement. He reiterated his question about the impact of the pardons on public safety. Patel shifted the focus to broader public safety concerns, citing drug overdoses and homicide rates. He argued that addressing these issues was crucial for improving national safety.
Patel's response garnered support from conservatives online, with some praising his focus on broader crime issues. During the hearing, Senator Chuck Grassley highlighted the declining public trust in the FBI and emphasized Patel's experience as a public defender, his work at the Justice Department, and his role in investigating the Trump-Russia probe. Grassley argued these qualifications made Patel suitable to lead the FBI and address the agency's challenges. However, Patel's nomination also faced criticism from some Democrats who pointed to his past statements about prosecuting journalists and officials he considered part of the "deep state."
