The spectacle at Thursday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing, which was supposed to center on former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s controversial investigation into President Trump, veered into something darker and more chaotic—thanks to former Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone, whose conduct continues to outpace his credibility.
Former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone & Ivan Raiklin, Jan. 6 conspiracy theorist/self-styled “secretary of retribution” https://t.co/tLtfVNkfry
— Emily Brooks (@emilybrooksnews) January 22, 2026
Fanone, who has spent the years since January 6 cultivating a media persona as a straight-talking, law-and-order hero, unraveled in a series of public meltdowns that would make any serious observer question his fitness to represent anything resembling civility or justice.
👀 HEATED exchange just now between U.S. Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone and right wing provocateur/defender of January 6th rioters Ivan Raiklin.
This happened during a break in the Jack Smith hearing. Fanone since returned to his seat pic.twitter.com/cNjskelOR3
— Joe Khalil (@JoeKhalilTV) January 22, 2026
It started with a confrontation that quickly turned personal—and profane. Fanone spotted activist and former Green Beret Ivan Raiklin in the audience. What followed was not a debate, nor even a political confrontation—it was a profane tirade. Fanone reportedly stormed up to Raiklin, called him a “traitor,” told him to “go f**k” himself, and, shockingly, accused him—without a shred of evidence—of wanting to rape his children. That’s not just offensive rhetoric. That’s potentially actionable defamation.
Raiklin, stunned but composed, later posted the exchange on social media, asking: “Who thinks I should sue Mr. Fanone for defamation?” It’s a legitimate question. No matter what side of the aisle one’s on, there’s a line—and Fanone vaulted over it.
Who thinks I should sue Mr. Fanone for defamation? pic.twitter.com/ZyoctE0fR1
— Ivan Raiklin (@IvanRaiklin) January 22, 2026
Capitol Police eventually dragged Fanone away from Raiklin before the situation turned physical. But the drama didn’t stop there.
Later, during questioning by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Fanone—still seated in the gallery—once again lost his temper. In response to Nehls’ comments about security failures by Capitol Police leadership on January 6, Fanone shouted, “Go f**k yourself!” across the chamber. Twice, Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) had to call for order.
J6 disgrace Michael Fanone caughs and yells, “Go f*** yourself!” at Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) during the J6 committee hearing.
This is really who Democrats call their hero of J6? Someone who can’t even behave like an adult at a congressional hearing.
Sad!pic.twitter.com/PZVv4RL3FH
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 22, 2026
This isn’t courtroom drama. This is not righteous indignation. This is a man—once tasked with upholding public order—completely losing control in one of the nation’s most sacred civic spaces.
And yet, astonishingly, some Democrats applauded him.
