On January 6, 2021, Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone found himself incapacitated and wounded on the ground at the U.S. Capitol.
He had endured multiple Taser strikes to the back of his neck, and amid the chaos as the mob deprived him of his ammunition, badge, and police radio, he felt someone attempting to take his firearm. At that moment, he overheard a chilling remark: “Kill him with his own gun.”
On Monday, 44-year-old Fanone expressed his outrage regarding the news that Donald Trump’s initial actions as president included pardoning over 1,500 individuals who participated in the Capitol riots aimed at overturning Joe Biden’s electoral win in 2020.
“I feel betrayed by my country and by those who backed Donald Trump,” Fanone shared with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “All that fills my mind is that this was the choice of the American people.”
During his presidential run, Trump consistently promised to pardon those who engaged in the violent disruptions of January 6, which tragically resulted in the deaths of a police officer and four rioters. In the following months, four additional police officers died by suicide.
The individuals involved in the insurrection faced charges for pepper-spraying officers, assaulting them with flagpoles, stomping on their heads, throwing explosives into a police-filled tunnel, pushing officers down stairs, and conspiring to kill FBI agents who were investigating the attacks. A judge determined that the riot constituted an act of terrorism, leading to lengthy prison sentences for leaders of the Proud Boys militia, some reaching up to 22 years.
Instead of denouncing the violent actions, Trump—who publicly professed his support for law enforcement—dubbed the rioters as “hostages” and “patriots,” even commencing campaign rallies with a recording from the “J6 Prison Choir.”
“Whether you endorsed [Trump] due to his promises of pardons or other reasons, you knew this was inevitable, and here we are,” Fanone remarked to Cooper.
He recounted how, ever since he testified before Congress in July 2021 about the traumatic experiences he faced on January 6, he has received numerous death threats. While rioters threatened his life, the experienced officer instinctively transitioned into survival mode and attempted to appeal to the mob’s humanity by speaking about his children. Miraculously, some rioters chose to shield him until assistance arrived.
Despite his severe injuries, he managed to return to limited duty in September 2021 but fully retired just months later.
“At this moment, I believe the Republican Party embodies a significant level of hypocrisy regarding their stated support for law enforcement, given that tonight the party leader pardoned numerous individuals who assaulted police officers,” he stated to Cooper.
Daniel Hodges, another Capitol police officer who also testified before Congress and continues to serve, expressed his disgust in response to the pardon news.
“After working around 14 hours to ensure Trump’s inauguration was secure and peaceful, I got home to read this. Thanks, America,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Footage showing Hodges being brutally assaulted and crushed in a doorway, bloodied and pleading for assistance, gained virality following the assaults.
“There hasn’t been a single day without thoughts about it,” he admitted to WUSA just hours ahead of Monday’s inauguration.
Four individuals who were convicted of assaulting him were likely included in Trump’s pardon list. However, Hodges stated he wasn’t concerned for his personal safety.
“I’m a cop in D.C. This isn’t my first experience with threats, and it won’t be my last. If they choose to target me, that’s their decision. I’m prepared,” he expressed prior to the inauguration. “I would advise them to reconsider their actions, especially if individuals are pardoned.”
Conversely, Fanone revealed he has been increasingly apprehensive about the safety of himself and his family since his testimony. In recent months, someone swatted his 76-year-old mother’s house, making a false emergency call that brought a heavy police presence.
“She’s been the target of harassment, including having human waste thrown at her while raking leaves in her front yard,” he revealed. “This reflects the kind of nation we’ve become, exacerbated by the actions of Donald Trump.”
