Sen. Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Republican, said Sunday he would not support former President Donald Trump’s efforts to pardon those charged with crimes related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Mr. Cassidy was among the GOP senators who voted to convict Mr. Trump for incitement of insurrection.

“I do not think it’s appropriate,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “We’re a nation of laws, and those folks were convicted.”

Mr. Cassidy’s comments put him at increasing odds with Mr. Trump, who is the presumptive GOP nominee and will likely face a rematch this fall against President Biden.

“Many times they plead guilty. If you plead guilty, obviously you’re not a patriot,” the senator said. “You’re somebody who committed a criminal act. I think that would be a wrong signal if you’re the chief executive and you’re responsible for enforcing the laws.”

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.