Patel, like Trump, has taken a different view, saying the rioters have been mistreated by the criminal justice system. A former federal public defender and prosecutor, he has called them “political prisoners” and offered on at least one occasion to represent them for free.

Patel is a controversial nominee, having long raged against the so-called Deep State and prioritized his loyalty to Trump.

Kash Patel will restore justice, refocus the FBI on real threats, and ensure that the agency serves the Constitution.