5/6/21 Capitol Riot Survivor Michael Fanone Writes a Letter

How are you going to fight the lies of Trumpists who say the Capitol insurrection was no big deal? People who are slowly erasing the true picture of the riot, pretending it was peaceful?

That's Michael Fanone's problem. As a DC policeman, he stepped up on January 6 to help hold back the mob. He was dragged, beaten with fists and a flagpole, Tasered multiple times, robbed of his badge and radio, and terrorized by people chanting "Kill him with his own gun!"

Wednesday, Fanone distributed an open letter asking for recognition for the police who showed bravery on that day.

Here is the text in its entirety:

May 5, 2021

To all elected members of the United States Government,

My name is Michael Fanone and I have been a sworn officer with the Metropolitan Police Department for almost two decades. On January 06, 2021 I participated in the defense of the United States Capitol and as a result of my efforts was severely injured. I was pulled out into the crowd, away from my fellow officers, beaten with fists, metal objects, stripped of my issued badge, radio and ammunition magazine and electrocuted numerous times with a Taser. I am writing to you so that you may better understand my experience that day.

I am assigned to the First District’s Crime Suppression Team and while my daily responsibilities involve combating violent crime and narcotics related offenses, I, like many other officers, took it upon myself to respond to the numerous calls for help coming from my colleagues at the Capitol Complex. Upon my arrival my partner, Jimmy Albright, and I searched for an area where we could be of most assistance and eventually found our way to the West Terrace Lower Tunnel entrance to the Capitol. The fighting here was nothing short of brutal. I observed approximately thirty police officers standing shoulder-to-shoulder maybe four or five abreast using the weight of their own bodies to hold back the onslaught of violent attackers. Many of these officers were injured, bleeding and fatigued but they continued to fight.

In the midst of this fighting I observed Commander Ramey Kyle, cool calm and collected giving commands to his officers. “Hold the line.” It was the most inspirational moment of my entire life. Even as I write this it brings me to tears. I tried to render assistance to some of the injured officers asking them if they needed a break. There were no volunteers, only those that identified injured colleagues who may be in need of assistance. I have never experienced such bravery, courage and selflessness.

Since then I have struggled with many aspects of that day. As the physical injuries gradually subsided in crept the psychological trauma. In many ways I still live my life as if it is January 07, 2021. I struggle daily with the emotional anxiety of having survived such a traumatic event but I also struggle with the anxiety of hearing those who continue to downplay the events of that day and those who would ignore them altogether with their lack of acknowledgement. The indifference shown to my colleagues and I is disgraceful.

It has been 119 days since 850 Metropolitan Police (MPDC) Officers responded to the Capitol and stopped a violent insurrection from taking over the Capitol Complex saving countless Members of Congress and their staff from almost certain injury and even death. The time to fully recognize these Officers actions is NOW!

Sincerely,

Michael Fanone