HOLD THE LINE

A disturbing firsthand account of the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, squarely placing the blame on Donald Trump and his followers.

Fanone has become one of the most recognizable public faces on the law enforcement side of the Jan. 6 divide. Dedicated, profane, and quick-witted, it’s clear that he strikes fear among the Republican legislators whom he protected that frightening day. Kevin McCarthy comes in for a shellacking early on, so weak that he effectively admitted, “I can’t control my fringe members.” Adds Fanone, “In public, McCarthy praised the police. Behind closed doors, he didn’t really give a shit.” When the events of Jan. 6 began to unfold, Fanone “self-deployed,” going to the Capitol on his own initiative. As the rioting escalated, he was beaten and tased until he called out that he had children, which caused some of the rioters to break off and take him to safety. Still, the author is unafraid to name names—from Trump, who, after three hours, sent a tweet to the rioters to ask for an end to the violence (Fanone: “Too little, too late, asshole”), to “the MAGA-hat-wearing loser who electrocuted me with a stun gun.” As he did in testimony before Congress, the author calls for comprehensive prosecution. “Anyone who engaged in sedition on January 6 should be arrested and charged,” he writes. “Including Trump.” Fanone also recognizes that the whole affair has become so thoroughly politicized that any solution is unlikely. Among other reasons, he left his job because so many of his fellow officers “prioritized their allegiance to Donald Trump over their oath to the United States Constitution,” and he rightfully complains that Congress is too cowardly or indifferent to mint a medal honoring their defenders. Fanone’s closing thoughts on police reform will be of interest to activists everywhere.

Justifiably angry and an important addition to the growing literature surrounding the chaotic last days of the Trump regime.