Capitol Officer and Election Denier Erupt During Congressional Testimony
Former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone and conservative activist Ivan Raiklin engaged in a heated confrontation Thursday during a House Judiciary Committee hearing where former special counsel Jack Smith testified about his Trump investigations.
Fanone, who was on duty during the January 6 Capitol riot, confronted Raiklin during a break in the proceedings. Video footage captured the former officer walking directly toward Raiklin and calling him a “traitor to this country” before the two began exchanging heated words.
Accusations and Emotional Escalation
Fanone accused Raiklin of threatening his family and children, with the officer using explicit language to describe the allegations. As tensions escalated, Fanone was physically restrained by multiple people, including fellow former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who pulled him away from Raiklin.
Throughout the confrontation, Raiklin remained visibly calmer, at one point noting to onlookers how many people were needed to restrain Fanone while claiming he remained “totally in control over my mind and body.”
Background on the Participants
Raiklin is known as a vocal supporter of January 6 Capitol rioters and has promoted 2020 election conspiracy theories. According to reports, he was instrumental in developing the “Pence Card” strategy during the 2020 election cycle.
Fanone has become a prominent voice discussing his experiences during the Capitol riot, while Raiklin has become increasingly visible in conservative activist circles.
Aftermath and Legal Threats
Following the encounter, Raiklin posted on social media asking whether he should sue Fanone for defamation over the family threat allegations. A Capitol officer eventually stepped between the two men to end the confrontation, with Fanone warning another officer not to touch him as he was led away.
The incident occurred during what has been an intense congressional hearing focused on Smith’s prosecutorial decisions in cases involving former President Donald Trump.
