Sen. Dick Durbin and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel clash over Jan. 6 pardons in Patel's Senate hearing. Patel defends his stance on the commutation of Jan. 6 rioters' sentences and criticizes President Biden's decision to free Leonard Peltier, a convicted far-left activist. Conservatives show support for Patel on social media.
Key Points
Clash between Sen. Dick Durbin and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel over Jan. 6 pardons
Patel defends his stance on commutation of Jan. 6 rioters' sentences
Criticism of President Biden's decision to free Leonard Peltier
Conservatives show support for Patel on social media
Public trust in the FBI is low according to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley
Pros
Patel advocates for imprisoning those that cause harm to law enforcement and civilian communities.
Patel has experience in managing large intelligence and defense bureaucracies, identifying and countering national security threats, and fighting for transparency and accountability in the government.
Cons
Some Democrats have criticized Patel's nomination, citing his previous statements about prosecuting journalists and career officials he perceives as part of the 'deep state.'