Donald Trump’s continued support of Capitol rioters could potentially be used as evidence against him in a future trial, according to one former US attorney.

Trump is currently facing numerous criminal investigations as he attempts to mount a 2024 presidential campaign. Among the most serious of these cases is the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) probe into his alleged hand in fomenting the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol building during the certification of the 2020 election, which is being overseen by special counsel Jack Smith. Trump has denied all wrongdoing in the matter, as he has in all cases being brought against him.

On Thursday, the former president stirred further controversy during a campaign stop at a New Hampshire diner where he was greeted by a crowd of supporters, including alleged QAnon believer and Capitol riot participant, Micki Larson-Olson. When it was pointed out to the former president who the woman was, he told her to “hang in there,” gave her a hug, and posed for a photo.

The interaction fit a consistent pattern for Trump, in which he has continued to speak out in support of the Capitol rioters, despite the mounting legal pressure on him.

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During a Friday evening appearance on MSNBC, Barbara McQuade, a former US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, said that these continued statements and behaviors from Trump could be “very damaging as evidence against” him in a future trial stemming from the January 6 investigation.