Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, delivered a confident and compelling performance during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, addressing critical questions and demonstrating why his background uniquely positions him to take on the challenges facing the agency.

Patel was questioned by Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, regarding the commutation of sentences for 1,600 individuals linked to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Patel firmly defended his stance on law enforcement and public safety.

"I have always advocated for imprisoning those who cause harm to our law enforcement and civilian communities," Patel said, while emphasizing that justice must be applied fairly.

He also highlighted President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, convicted for the 1975 killing of two FBI agents, suggesting that concerns over pardons should be viewed consistently.

"The families of Agents Coler and Williams deserve better," Patel stated.

"America is safer when justice is served consistently, and my role as FBI director would be to ensure accountability and transparency across all cases."

When pressed further on whether the country is safer following recent commutations, Patel pointed to broader national security concerns.

"America will be safe when we don’t have 200,000 drug overdoses in two years.

America will be safe when we don’t have 50 homicides a day," he said, underscoring his comprehensive view of public safety.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, praised Patel’s qualifications, describing him as precisely the kind of leader needed to restore public trust in the FBI.

"He has managed large intelligence and defense bureaucracies, identified and countered national security threats, and demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability," Grassley said.

Patel’s extensive background includes serving as a public defender, senior official at the Department of Justice, and lead investigator for the House Intelligence Committee’s 2017 investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe.

Grassley pointed out that only 41 percent of Americans currently trust the FBI, making Patel’s leadership essential to rebuilding confidence.

Patel’s supporters, including dozens of former FBI agents, have rallied behind his nomination, emphasizing his readiness to implement needed reforms within the agency.

Patel’s approach combines law enforcement expertise with a deep understanding of national security challenges, making him uniquely qualified to lead during a time of heightened scrutiny.

Despite criticism from some Democrats who cited Patel’s past calls for greater accountability among journalists and Justice Department officials, Patel maintained that his focus is on ensuring the FBI operates within the law while protecting civil liberties.

"We need strong, independent leadership that prioritizes safety, fairness, and accountability," Patel said during his closing remarks.

"My commitment is to restore integrity, focus on threats to national security, and rebuild the public’s faith in the FBI through transparency and decisive action."

With his demonstrated expertise and vision, Patel remains a strong candidate for the position as the Senate deliberates his confirmation.