Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin questioned Kash Patel, the nominee for FBI Director, during a nomination hearing about his involvement with the "J6 choir" and his views on political violence. Patel co-produced and promoted a record by the "J6 prison choir," composed of January 6 rioters incarcerated in D.C. jail. He described them as "political prisoners" but did not disclose their identities.

Durbin highlighted that most members were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. A Special Counsel report identified six choir members, five of whom pleaded guilty to such charges before Patel's promotion of their recording.

Addressing political violence, Durbin asked Patel if he agreed that violence has no place in politics, mentioning incidents involving Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi's husband. Patel agreed with this sentiment.

Durbin further questioned Patel about his support for the "J6 choir" and whether he prioritized victims or those arrested for assaulting Capitol Police officers during the January 6 events. Patel referenced his track record but still supported the choir's record.

The hearing also addressed conspiracy theories regarding January 6 being planned by the FBI, which have been debunked by various reports, including one from the Justice Department’s Inspector General. Durbin confronted Patel about these claims made on his podcast, which Patel denied despite existing evidence.

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