During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, January 30, Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, engaged in a discussion with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) regarding the events of January 6, 2021, attributing responsibility for the day’s occurrences to specific individuals.
In this context, Patel placed blame for the chaotic events, particularly the breach of the Capitol, on two prominent Democrats: former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asserting that they bore the responsibility for the situation.
This exchange occurred as Senator Cruz questioned Patel, who was serving in the Department of Defense during the Trump Administration, about the apparent lack of security measures prior to the incident. Cruz specifically inquired about the security preparations that were in place.
In his response, Patel informed the Senator that the Department of Defense had been actively working in the days leading up to the planned event on the National Mall to ensure security. He noted that the DoD had made arrangements to deploy National Guard troops for the purpose of protecting the Capitol. However, he stated that this request for assistance was denied by Speaker Pelosi and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Senator Cruz initiated the conversation by referencing the Sergeant of Arms, who is primarily responsible for Capitol security and is reportedly the individual who rejected the request for National Guard support. Cruz asked, “Who did the Sergeant of Arms report to?” Patel replied, “The Speaker of the House.”
Cruz then emphasized that the Speaker of the House’s authority meant that Nancy Pelosi was ultimately in charge of the Sergeant of Arms at that time. “That would have been Nancy Pelosi at the time, is that correct?” Cruz queried. “Yes, Senator,” Patel confirmed.Cruz subsequently pointed out that it was not solely Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who was overseeing matters at that time; then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was also involved, given that the Democrats held control over both legislative chambers. Cruz inquired, “And would that also be Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who was the Senate Majority Leader at that time?”
In response, Patel clarified to Cruz that Schumer indeed held a leadership role and highlighted that Pelosi had refused the National Guard troops she preferred, further revealing her involvement in the troubling events of that day. He stated, “The Sergeant at Arms, yes, Senator, reports to her. She formally declined additional National Guard support in writing in the days leading up to January 6th, and that letter is publicly accessible.”
Pelosi has criticized Trump for his pardons of those involved in the January 6th events. In a statement, she remarked, “Tonight, the President announced pardons and sentence commutations for individuals who violently assaulted the Capitol and law enforcement officers on January 6th. The President’s actions represent a shocking affront to our justice system and to the heroes who endured physical injuries and emotional distress while safeguarding the Capitol, Congress, and the Constitution.”
She further stated, “It is disgraceful that the President has chosen to prioritize the abandonment and betrayal of police officers who risked their lives to thwart an attempt to undermine the peaceful transfer of power. Despite the President’s decision, we must always honor the remarkable bravery and dedication of the law enforcement heroes who stood firm and ensured that democracy prevailed on that dark day.”
