Former MPD Officer Fanone Confronts GOP Lawmaker During Jan 6 Hearing
In a dramatic and highly charged moment during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer Michael Fanone publicly confronted GOP Rep. Troy Nehls, shouting, 'F*** yourself' after the lawmaker attempted to shift blame for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot away from former President Donald Trump.
Context of the Hearing
The hearing, held on January 22, 2026, featured Jack Smith, the former special prosecutor who led two failed federal prosecutions against Trump, delivering his first public testimony before lawmakers. The hearing was part of ongoing investigations into the events surrounding the Capitol insurrection.
Rep. Nehls' Remarks
During his turn to speak, Rep. Nehls, a Texas Republican, sought to attribute responsibility for the riot to Capitol Police officials rather than to Trump's actions or rhetoric. 'I can tell you gentlemen, that the fault does not lie with Donald Trump,' Nehls stated, addressing law enforcement officers who were present at the hearing and who responded to the riot.
Nehls argued that the blame rested squarely on the 'US Capitol leadership team,' claiming, 'We know they had the intelligence.' He added, 'There was going to be a high propensity for violence that day.' His comments implied that Capitol Police failed to adequately prepare or respond to the threat.
Fanone's Explosive Reaction
As Nehls spoke, Michael Fanone, who was severely beaten by rioters during the Jan 6 attack and required medical treatment, sat in the audience with three other officers who were also present during the insurrection: Aquilino Gonell, Harry Dunn, and Daniel Hodges. All four have since become vocal critics of Trump and his role in inciting the riot.
After a loud cough that drew attention, Fanone erupted with a loud and clear declaration: 'F*** yourself.' His outburst stunned those in attendance and quickly became a focal point of the hearing.
Significance of Fanone's Testimony
Fanone, whose testimony has been crucial in previous Jan 6-related investigations, has described in harrowing detail the violence he endured that day. He was dragged from his vehicle, tased multiple times, and suffered serious injuries while trying to hold the rioters back. His reaction to Nehls' comments underscores the deep emotional and physical toll the Jan 6 attack has had on those who responded to it.
Many have interpreted Fanone's outburst as a direct challenge to Nehls' attempt to deflect responsibility from Trump and his allies, who have consistently denied any role in inciting the violence. Fanone and other officers have long maintained that Trump's rhetoric and actions were instrumental in the planning and execution of the insurrection.
Reactions and Aftermath
The incident immediately drew widespread attention and commentary. Supporters of Fanone praised his courage and integrity, while defenders of Nehls and Trump criticized the outburst as unprofessional and inappropriate for a congressional hearing.
As the hearing continued, Jack Smith addressed the attack, stating he was 'shocked' by the violence he witnessed during his tenure overseeing the federal response to the riot. His testimony provided further context to the ongoing debate over responsibility for Jan 6.
Broader Implications
Fanone's confrontation with Nehls highlights the deep divisions that still exist over the Jan 6 insurrection. Nearly five years after the event, the issue remains a contentious political battleground, with ongoing investigations and legal battles continuing to shape the narrative.
For many, Fanone's words serve as a powerful reminder of the personal cost of political conflict and the ongoing struggle for accountability. As the nation continues to grapple with the implications of the Jan 6 attack, moments like these underscore the emotional weight and political significance of the event.
Conclusion
The explosive exchange between former MPD officer Michael Fanone and Rep. Troy Nehls during the Jan 6 hearing has become a defining moment in the ongoing discourse over the Capitol insurrection. Fanone's public confrontation with a GOP lawmaker underscores the deep divisions and intense emotions surrounding the event, and it serves as a potent symbol of the ongoing quest for truth and accountability.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the words and actions of those directly involved, like Fanone, will remain central to understanding the full impact and legacy of January 6, 2021.
