WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, told lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday that he opposes pardons for those who committed violence against law enforcement during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

“I have always rejected any violence against law enforcement,” said Patel. “I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement,”.

His comments contrast with President Donald Trump’s decision to issue around 1,500 pardons related to the riot, including to some convicted of assaulting police officers. Patel, a longtime Trump ally, distanced himself from the clemency grants but declined to comment on every case, stating he had not reviewed them at all.

When questioned about his involvement in producing Justice for All, a song benefiting families of imprisoned rioters, Patel said he was unaware of the specific individuals involved.

Patel also sought to reassure lawmakers that, if confirmed, he would uphold the FBI’s independence and avoid politically motivated investigations.

“There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by the FBI should I be confirmed as the FBI director,” Patel said in response to concerns by Democratic Sen. Chris Coons from the state of Delaware

Patel deflected questions about whether he would seek charges against his predecessor, Christopher Wray, emphasizing instead that his focus would be on addressing violent crime and national security threats.

"There is enough violent crime in this country and enough national security threats to this country that the FBI is going to be busy going forward preventing 100,000 overdoses, 100,000 rapes and 17,000 homicides," Patel responded.