WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Former President Donald Trump defended the chants of his supporters threatening to hang Vice-President Mike Pence during a violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to a Friday interview.

An excerpt of an interview by an ABC reporter shows that the ex-Republican president supported threats to Pence who was present before Congress to certify the outcome of the 2020 presidential elections in which Democrat Joe Biden beat Trump.

Pence, who is considering a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, said that he was proud to have certified the election results.

Trump answered a question about Jan. 6th’s chants “Hang Mike Pence” and said that the crowd was “very upset”. He also reiterated his claim of voter fraud. According to the audio, the interview was conducted March 31st by ABC’s Jonathan Karl. Axios media outlet reported it.

It’s just common sense you should protect. How can you — if you know a vote is fraudulent, right? — how can you pass on a fraudulent vote to Congress? What is the best way to do this? Trump claimed, as per the report.

Trump answered ABC’s question about Pence’s safety. Trump said that he believed he was safe and well-protected.

Pence representatives could not reach Pence for comment.

On Jan. 6, thousands of Trump supporters stormed into the U.S. Government to celebrate Biden’s significant victory. The rioting resulted in four deaths and three Capitol Police officers died later. Scores of others were also injured.

A total of 700 were charged with the Riot and Congress continues to investigate the incident.

Karl interviewed Trump to write his book “Betrayal”, due out November 16. In it, he discusses Trump’s presidency in the final months and what happened after he quit the White House in January.

Trump’s remarks were released amid growing concern about domestic extremism in America, as well as threats to election officials.