A House Judiciary Committee hearing featuring former Trump special counsel Jack Smith was briefly disrupted after a tense confrontation erupted between a former police officer who defended the US Capitol during the January 6 attack and a prominent 2020 election conspiracy theorist.
The incident underscored growing concerns over the increasingly volatile atmosphere at congressional hearings, where emotional and politically charged exchanges are becoming more frequent — though rarely escalating to such intense personal hostility.
During a recess in the hearing, former Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone angrily confronted far-right activist Ivan Raiklin, who was also present in the audience. Fanone repeatedly shouted profanities at Raiklin, accusing him of betraying the country and moving close enough that former law enforcement colleagues had to physically restrain him.
According to witnesses, the confrontation began when Raiklin attempted to shake Fanone’s hand. Fanone rejected the gesture, telling him not to “pretend” they were on friendly terms. As tensions escalated, Fanone accused Raiklin of making threats against his family and children.
“This man threatened my family, threatened my children — even threatened sexual violence,” Fanone shouted, as onlookers gathered around the pair.
Raiklin denied the allegations and later suggested on social media platform X that he may pursue legal action against Fanone for defamation.
Fanone previously testified before the January 6 Select Committee in 2021, recounting how he was assaulted while defending the Capitol. He said he was “grabbed, beaten and tased,” all while rioters called him a traitor.
Raiklin, meanwhile, played a central role in efforts to pressure then–Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and has continued to promote election-related conspiracy theories.
As the confrontation intensified, Capitol Police veterans Jared Dunn and Aquilino Gonell intervened to calm the situation, urging Fanone to step back and take a seat.
The hearing resumed after Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) banged the gavel to restore order. Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) thanked Fanone, prompting applause from Democratic lawmakers.
“Mr. Chairman, please control the deranged observer Mr. Raiklin,” Raskin said during the proceedings.
The episode highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the legacy of January 6 and the growing tensions spilling into official congressional settings.
