Michael Fanone: From Cop to Capitol Defender

Who is Michael Fanone? What drove this former DC police officer to become an outspoken activist?

In Hold the Line, Michael Fanone and John Shiffman recount the extraordinary journey of a dedicated law enforcement officer. You'll discover how Fanone's experiences, from his family's resilient history to his harrowing encounter on January 6th, shaped his path.

Read on to explore Michael Fanone's transformation from an undercover cop to a fierce defender of truth and accountability.

From Undercover Cop to Capitol Defender

Michael Fanone's journey from an adventurous youth to a dedicated officer in the Metropolitan Police Department is a tale of personal growth and unwavering commitment to duty. Fanone's family legacy of perseverance, coupled with his evolution as an undercover drug enforcement agent, shaped him into the officer who would later play a crucial role in defending the U.S. Capitol. Michael Fanone's story exemplifies the transformation of an ordinary individual into an extraordinary public servant.

A Family Legacy of Resilience

Fanone's great-grandfather, Ubaldo, fled fascism in Italy to settle in Sharon, Pennsylvania. His sons, Tony and John, survived World War II by hiding in caves before joining their father in America. This family history of overcoming adversity significantly influenced Fanone's approach to law enforcement.

On his mother's side, a tradition of service in the Metropolitan Police Department was established by his grandfather, who joined the force after serving in World War II and the Korean War.

Rising Through the Ranks

After completing his police academy training, Fanone quickly advanced in his career. He pursued the role of Vice Investigator with enthusiasm, focusing on drug-related crimes and their impact on community relations. His undercover work earned him the nickname "Spiderman" for his creative surveillance techniques, which included climbing structures and hiding in garbage bins to monitor drug deals.

Fanone's twenty-year career was marked by his dedication to intelligent and effective policing. He learned the importance of meticulous documentation and developed a nuanced understanding of the drug market and the people involved in it. His experience working with informants provided crucial intelligence that led to arrests and gave him insights into the human side of law enforcement.

Defending the Capitol on January 6th

The events of January 6th, 2021, marked a turning point in Fanone's career and life. Despite not being instructed to respond to the protests, Fanone took immediate action when he learned of the challenges his fellow officers were facing at the Capitol.

Confronting the Mob

As Fanone entered the Capitol, he encountered fierce opposition from the crowd within the Lower West Terrace Tunnel. He found himself trapped in a violent close-range struggle, holding his ground against an aggressive onslaught with the help of his fellow officers.

A Harrowing Experience

In a terrifying turn of events, Fanone was dragged into the crowd and brutally assaulted. He suffered a heart attack after being tased, physically attacked, and threatened with death by rioters. The severe brain trauma he sustained highlighted the extreme dangers faced by law enforcement when overwhelmed by a disorderly mob.

In a remarkable display of composure during this life-threatening situation, Fanone appealed to the humanity of his attackers by mentioning his children. This tactic likely saved his life, as some in the crowd shifted from assaulting him to helping him.

The Aftermath: Personal and Professional Challenges

The January 6th insurrection had profound effects on Fanone's life, impacting his physical and mental well-being and reshaping his personal and professional world.

A Difficult Recovery

Fanone suffered a traumatic brain injury and a heart attack during the attack. His recovery journey was marked by persistent headaches, speech difficulties, and neck pain. Despite the increased scrutiny following the riot, his primary goal was to recover sufficiently to return to duty, albeit in a modified role.

Isolation and Disappointment

Upon returning to the Metropolitan Police Department, Fanone faced numerous challenges. He could no longer perform his previous duties, including long-term assignments in narcotics enforcement. He felt isolated within the department, struggling with even basic interactions with colleagues.

Fanone experienced deep disappointment due to the lack of expected support from his superiors and the police union. The apparent indifference to his traumatic experiences from higher-ups in the Metropolitan Police Department, including Chief Robert J. Contee III, intensified his sense of isolation.

Fighting for Truth and Accountability

In the aftermath of January 6th, Fanone has become a prominent advocate for truth and accountability, challenging misinformation and striving to honor the bravery and dedication of his fellow officers and the Capitol Police.

Countering False Narratives

Fanone has actively engaged with media outlets to correct and challenge false stories about the Capitol riot. He's written open letters, shared his body camera footage, and appeared on national television to counter efforts to mislead the public about the events of January 6th.

Despite his history of conservative voting, Fanone maintains a politically neutral stance, emphasizing the importance of correcting false narratives that downplay the severity of the January 6th event. He's stood firm against attempts by media outlets or political factions to silence him.

Seeking Justice

Fanone strongly advocates for legal consequences for those responsible for the January 6th Capitol disturbance. He believes that criminal charges should be brought against Donald Trump and his associates for their efforts to subvert the government, emphasizing the need to hold those in power accountable.

His involvement with lawmakers, including pushing for reforms and testifying before the panel investigating the January 6th insurrection, underscores his commitment to accountability. Through his testimony, he conveyed the profound psychological impact and gravity of the incursion, challenging claims that minimized the significance of the events at the Capitol.

Fanone remains steadfast in his dedication to honoring the valor of those who defended the Capitol, ensuring their brave actions are remembered by all. His unwavering support and powerful testimony to Congress have significantly influenced the conversation about the nation's direction and the events of the Capitol insurrection.