Examining January 6, DOJ Experience, Retribution, and ‘Russia-Gate’ – One America News Network
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
6:24 PM – Thursday, January 30, 2025
During his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Thursday, Kash Patel, who was selected by President Donald Trump to head the FBI, faced a barrage of probing inquiries alongside accusations from Democrats addressing topics including January 6th, his tenure at the Department of Justice, his character, and more.
No Republican senator has publicly shown opposition to Patel’s nomination, and there were no objections raised during the hearing.
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Throughout the session, Patel was questioned intensively by Democratic senators, who he contended were misrepresenting his earlier statements to undermine his credibility. Additionally, other Republicans expressed the belief that the Democratic members are “suspiciously” apprehensive about what his confirmation might signify for them.
Chris Wray, the former FBI director, resigned after Trump indicated that he would be dismissed following his election win in November. Wray had previously suggested that Trump was not accurately representing an ear injury he sustained during a rancorous political rally in July in Butler, Pennsylvania, an incident that resulted in the tragic death of a rally-attendee, Corey Comperatore, who was caught in the crossfire of an assassination attempt.
“Regarding former President Trump, there are questions about whether it was actually a bullet or shrapnel that injured his ear,” Wray had commented.
The primary focus of Kash Patel’s hearing revolved around retribution.
Democrats directed attention to Patel’s history of advocating for accountability against individuals associated with the perceived “deep state.” They conveyed concerns regarding Patel’s “enemies list” mentioned in his 2023 book “Government Gangsters,”.
Some individuals listed, totaling 60, are reportedly taking “extreme measures” to ensure their safety, concerned that Patel might leverage his future position at the FBI against them, as noted by CNN.
Patel: “I have no interest, no desire, and will not, if confirmed, pursue past grievances. There will be no politicization at the FBI. Retributive actions won’t occur from the FBI.”
“It’s not really an enemies list – that characterization is completely inaccurate,” he added.
During the session, Patel expressed that “no personnel will be dismissed based on case assignments” regarding those involved in investigations against Trump. He asserted ignorance of any plans to discipline former FBI agents associated with Trump-related inquiries.
Later, Republican committee members raised issues regarding the 2016 Trump-Russia investigation, initially spurred by the debunked notion that the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia to secure the election against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. They also questioned the lack of investigative vigor surrounding the Hunter Biden laptop saga and other perceived actions deemed as stemming from anti-Trump bias.
The chairman of the Judiciary Committee, GOP Senator Chuck Grassley, remarked in his opening statements that he believes FBI and Justice Department personnel who previously investigated Trump and found no wrongdoing “have yet to learn a lesson, and I trust you’ll impart that lesson on their behalf.”
GOP Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana: “Do you subscribe to the idea that two wrongs don’t correct a wrong – but they do provide parity?”
Patel: “Senator, I believe the American public deserves to know every single detail regarding corrupt activities by anyone in government service.”
When further questioned by Democrats, Patel asserted his disagreement with any commutations that might free individuals convicted of violence against law enforcement officers on January 6th. He has consistently maintained that those who engage in violence against authorities, including participants in 2020 protests like BLM and Antifa, should face appropriate legal consequences.
Patel: “I do not support the reduction of sentences for any individuals who inflicted violence against law enforcement officers.”
Democrats visibly exhibited confusion or surprise after this declaration, indicating they did not anticipate his response.
He subsequently clarified his stance further.
Patel: “I have consistently, both publicly and privately, insisted that any violence against law enforcement can never be tolerated.”
Nonetheless, Democrats contended that his statements were misleading, as Patel had participated in fundraising efforts for January 6th defendants—some of whom faced charges related to assaults on U.S. Capitol Police officers.
Patel and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif), who have clashed for nearly a decade since both served on the House Intelligence Committee during Trump’s initial presidency, engaged in a tense exchange concerning January 6th.
Schiff: “So you’re under consideration for the director position at the FBI. Yet you engaged with individuals—now associated with the President—without due diligence to determine whether they were convicted for attacking police officers. Is this the caliber of leadership we want for the FBI? Look right now at the Capitol police officers behind you. Can you face them?”
“Gaze upon them. I request you sincerely to acknowledge your pride in having raised funds for individuals who assaulted your colleagues, who sprayed them with pepper spray, and used poles as weapons. Tell them of your pride, Mr. Patel. They’re just behind you, guarding you today. How do you feel about what you did?” continued Schiff.
Patel: “Why don’t you inquire about whether I support them?”
“That statement is completely false, and you are aware of it. I have never condoned violence against law enforcement.”
In the aftermath of this confrontation, a former congressman referred to Schiff as an “embarrassment,” asserting that the California senator evidently has a “personal grievance” against Patel.
“The American public has already moved on from him during his time in the House of Representatives, which was a positive change. However, I believe Democratic senators now see that the circus has shifted to their domain,” remarked former Congressman Devin Nunes on Thursday. “I perceived Adam Schiff to have outdone himself in embarrassment, as he has consistently held a personal vendetta against Kash Patel, who was instrumental in exposing his lies to the American people.”
Patel faced inquiries regarding “QAnon conspiracy theories” that have circulated online.
Patel: “I have firmly rejected all baseless QAnon conspiracy theories in public settings, including during interviews with this committee…”
However, this did not alleviate the agitation among Democrats, as Patel previously asserted that while some theories associated with QAnon are false, others contain elements of truth.
Patel: “QAnon represents a movement. Numerous individuals associate themselves with it. I disagree with many aspects of what that movement promotes, yet I concur with certain points made by the movement.”
Patel concluded his remarks by committing to prioritize issues such as combating drug trafficking, addressing gang activity, and preventing rape, while also safeguarding the nation from international terrorism.
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