A House Judiciary Committee hearing descended into chaos Thursday when retired D.C. police officer Michael Fanone confronted far-right activist Ivan Raiklin during a break in former special counsel Jack Smith’s testimony, forcing Capitol Police to intervene.
Fanone, who was brutally injured defending the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, was seated near Raiklin, a MAGA loyalist who has publicly described himself as Donald Trump’s so-called “secretary of retribution.”
The confrontation was captured on video — posted by Raiklin himself.
“Hey, Michael,” Raiklin said, extending his hand.
“Hey, what’s up buddy?” Fanone replied before immediately adding, “Go f— yourself.”
Raiklin protested. “Why do you have to swear at me?”
“Oh, don’t pretend we’re not mortal enemies,” Fanone shot back. “Go f— yourself.”
Raiklin claimed he had been respectful. “I’m always professional with you.”
Fanone didn’t blink. “Go f— yourself. You’re a traitor to this country.”
As former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn attempted to restrain him, Fanone escalated the confrontation, accusing Raiklin of threatening his family.
“You threatened my family, and you threatened my wife,” Fanone said. “You’re a traitor to this f—ing country. Go f— yourself.”
Raiklin responded by mocking Fanone’s anger. “Why are you so spasmodic?” he asked, claiming he was trying to “calm you down.” “F— you, I’m using a lot of restraint right now,” Fanone replied as Dunn pulled him back. “Come get me.”
Raiklin then turned toward the camera, boasting, “Total control of my mind and body, and I’m totally dominating you right now.” That’s when Fanone made his most explosive allegation. “This guy is threatening my family,” he shouted. “He threatened my children, threatened to rape my children — rape my children, you sick bastard. Rape my children!”
Capitol Police moved in, escorting Fanone and Dunn out of the hearing room as Raiklin smirked into his camera. Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) repeatedly banged his gavel, calling for order.
“Thank you, Mr. Fanone,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) as supporters stood and applauded. “Mr. Chairman, please control the deranged observer, Mr. Raiklin, so he doesn’t create any other problems with this today.”
The hearing resumed — but the confrontation underscored just how volatile the political atmosphere surrounding January 6 remains, even inside the halls of Congress.
Watch the video below:
