A House Judiciary Committee hearing meant to focus on former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations took an unexpected turn on January 22 when a tense, personal clash unfolded between former D.C. police officer Michael Fanone and conservative activist Ivan Raiklin.
The confrontation happened during a short recess. Video from inside the hearing room shows Raiklin approaching Fanone and offering a handshake. Fanone, wearing a black T-shirt reading “Dropkick Murphys — Fighting Nazis Since 1996,” reacted immediately and angrily.
“Go f*** yourself… don’t pretend like we’re not mortal enemies,” Fanone shouted, as others nearby quickly stepped in.
What followed was a chaotic moment where Fanone accused Raiklin of previously threatening his family. Former Capitol officers Jared Dunn and Aquilino Gonell, along with Capitol Police, moved to restrain Fanone as the shouting continued and people in the room gathered around.
Raiklin remained largely composed during the exchange and was heard telling Fanone that others were holding him back while he stayed calm. Moments later, Capitol Police briefly escorted Fanone away before he returned to his seat.
Credit: The Hill
Why This Moment Drew So Much Attention
This wasn’t just a random argument inside a government building. Both men carry deep ties to the lasting fallout from January 6, 2021.
Michael Fanone is one of the most well-known officers who defended the Capitol that day. He was dragged into the crowd, beaten, tased multiple times, and later suffered a heart attack and traumatic brain injury. His attacker, Daniel Rodriguez, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison. Fanone retired from the force later in 2021 and has since become a vocal public figure, testifying before Congress and writing about his experience.
Ivan Raiklin, a retired Army Special Forces lieutenant colonel, became known for promoting claims of election fraud in 2020 and for urging officials, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, to reject electoral results. He has remained active in conservative political circles and was present at the hearing as scrutiny over past investigations continues under the current administration.
Seeing these two figures face-to-face in the same room was bound to be tense. From what I observed in the footage and reports, this felt like unresolved emotions from January 6 surfacing in real time.
Credit: The Hill
Political Reactions Inside the Room
As the situation unfolded, Committee Chair Jim Jordan called for order. Some Democratic members were seen applauding Fanone afterward, while others tried to calm the room.
Later in the hearing, Fanone was also seen mouthing an expletive toward Rep. Troy Nehls after comments were made shifting blame for January 6 toward Capitol leadership rather than former President Trump.
No arrests or charges came from the altercation. Both men remained present for the remainder of the session.
