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.

Senate Democrats are asking for documents related to allegations the nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, prematurely confirmed hostage rescue details.