MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Who is Michael Fanone? Capitol cop who had a heart attack after being beaten and tased says 'l'm not a hero'

Fanone was also beaten with a flagpole and he suffered a heart attack and concussion after the incident and dealt with a traumatic brain injury

A police officer who got a heart attack after getting assaulted with a stun gun several times during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, appeared on Don Lemon's show 'CNN Tonight' to narrate his story on Tuesday, April 27.

Officer Michael Fanone was not only assaulted with a stun gun but was also beaten with a flagpole. He heard people screaming, "Kill him with his own gun." Fanone suffered a heart attack and concussion after the incident and also dealt with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fanone said that it’s been difficult to see elected officials whitewash what happened on January 6.

READ MORE

Who is Luke Coffee? 'Friday Night Lights' actor accused of beating cop with crutch during Capitol riots

Capitol riots: Nearly 60% of those who took part in violence faced financial hardships, says report

Who is Michael Fanone?

Washington DC Police Officer, Michael Fanone, was one of the many officers who was on duty when several Donald Trump supporters stormed into the US Capitol on January 6, injuring many and killing at least five. At 7.30 that morning, he was posted at 11th Street and Constitution Avenue NW as part of a contingent of DC police officers on hand for the pro-Trump protests and rallies expected that day. But some five hours into his shift, his mission suddenly changed. He was asked to get inside the US Capitol, which was under attack. The incident left the world shocked but Fanone revealed the chilling details about what law enforcement personnel has to face during the incident.

"Some guys started getting a hold of my gun and they were screaming out, 'Kill him with his own gun,'" Fanone, who has been a police officer for at least two decades, earlier told CNN. He said the group of rioters had stripped him of his gear, seized spare ammunition and stolen his badge. Fanone stated that he would rather be shot than be overpowered by a crowd, and this is exactly what happened when he was pulled in by a group of rioters at the US Capitol. Fanone said he did consider using firepower, but soon realized he did not have enough and using a gun would further anger the rioters. "So, the other option I thought of was to try to appeal to somebody's humanity. And I just remember yelling out that I have kids. And it seemed to work," said Fanone, who is a father of four. His appeal worked and some rioters came forward to protect him. Fanone is still suffering the effects of a mild heart attack.

The dramatic encounter with the rioters was not an isolated event. Several officers were injured trying to stop the pro-Trump mob, who were in no mood to relent. Fanone also said the rioters had weapons, either of their own or taken from other police personnel. "We were getting chemical irritants sprayed. They had pipes and different metal objects, batons, some of which I think they had taken from law enforcement personnel. They had been striking us with those," Fanone told CNN.

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against Thomas Sibick, who allegedly took part in Fanone's assault. Prosecutors stated that Sibick was seen on police body-camera footage assaulting Fanone while he was lying on the ground outside the Capitol. During the brawl outside the Capitol, Sibick allegedly grabbed Fanone's badge and radio, and he later posted a photo of himself holding a police shield on Facebook, court filings say.

Many people on the internet came forward to Fanone's support, while some even labeled him a hero. Sharing a screenshot from Fanone's ex-wife, one person said, "This from Officer Fanone’s ex-wife. “This is Officer Fanone. The girls’ father and my ex-husband. While a lot of times he’s not my favorite person and yet he is.”" Jeff Sites tweeted, "Officer Fanone was beaten and tased until he had a heart attack. He deserves justice."

One person said, "#MikeFanone I’m watching Don Lemon tonight when he asked Officer Fanone if his four daughters knew he was a hero he responded, “lm not a hero” Don’t ever let me hear that again YOU ARE!" Calling Fanone "open minded", another one wrote, "Best part of interview was when Officer Fanone said that Don and he do not always agree, however, they refrain from killing each other. Thought of terrorist that think the answer is to kill everyone that disagrees with them. Officer Fanone is a lot more open minded than many."

Former FBI agent Asha Rangappa said, "Damn. Take the time to watch this. The members of Congress who allowed this to happen (and are now trying to pretend this never happened) should hang their heads in shame." Labeling him a "true hero" another one wrote, "Thank you for sharing your story Officer Fanone on @CNNTonight with @donlemon We have to keep the #January6th conversation relevant You’re a true hero - authentic & humble. Your attitude & message on different perspectives is beyond inspirational #Hero #Heartfelt #Heartbreaking."

Five people were killed in the riots, which many alleged was an attempted coup to stop Congress from confirming Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the US presidential elections.