Jack Smith hearing impacted by security incident

A scheduled hearing of the House Judiciary Committee featuring former special counsel Jack Smith was briefly interrupted on Thursday following a significant verbal confrontation in the Rayburn House Building. The incident involved former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone and activist Ivan Raiklin, requiring immediate Capitol Police intervention to prevent a physical escalation.

The disruption occurred during a 1:00 p.m. recess as members of the committee were away from the dais. Video footage from the Jack Smith hearing live stream and subsequent House Judiciary Committee recess footage captured Raiklin approaching Fanone to offer a handshake, which Fanone rejected. The ensuing Raiklin Fanone shouting match featured high-volume accusations, with Fanone alleging a history of personal threats against his family. The Rayburn House Building incident concluded when several Capitol Police officers, along with former officer Harry Dunn, restrained Fanone and escorted both parties from the hearing room.

Verified Details of the Hearing Room Incident

The confrontation was witnessed by dozens of attendees, including congressional staffers and members of the media. According to the Capitol Police intervention video released shortly after the event, the exchange began when Raiklin initiated contact. Fanone immediately responded with forceful language, stating, “Go f— yourself,” and calling Raiklin a “traitor to this country.”

As the volume increased, the Michael Fanone family threats allegation became the central focus of the argument. Fanone shouted that Raiklin had previously made specific, violent threats against his wife and children. Raiklin remained largely stationary during the outburst, responding by questioning Fanone’s composure and later suggesting on social media that the encounter would lead to an Ivan Raiklin defamation lawsuit X. The Capitol Police and the Police Inspector for the Rayburn Building were forced to form a physical barrier between the two men to restore order.

Profile of the Involved Parties and Institutional Context

Ivan Raiklin is a former Green Beret and Army reservist who has become a prominent figure in political circles focused on the 2020 election results. He previously worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency and has been a close associate of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Raiklin serves on the America’s Future board of directors, a nonprofit organization established by Flynn.

Raiklin is perhaps best known in legal and policy circles for his role in developing the Pence Card legal theory explained as a mechanism for the Vice President to unilaterally reject electoral votes. His recent activities have centered on what he describes as a “deep state target list PDF” or the “Ivan Raiklin target list 350,” which reportedly names hundreds of public officials and journalists. He has frequently referred to himself as the “Secretary of Retribution,” a title he uses to describe a theoretical role in a future administration focused on investigating political opponents.

Judicial and Legislative Reactions to the Disruption

Following the recess, Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-MD) addressed the atmosphere in the room. While Chairman Jordan called for order to allow the gentleman from Texas, Rep. Troy Nehls, to continue his questioning, Rep. Raskin requested that the chair “control the deranged observer” to maintain the integrity of the proceedings.

The presence of other figures also drew scrutiny. Notably, Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers who is currently serving a commuted sentence, was also observed in the audience. The intersection of these individuals at a federal hearing for Jack Smith—who led the investigations into the events of January 6—underscored the persistent friction between law enforcement who defended the Capitol and those who continue to challenge the official narrative of that day.

Analysis: Institutional Safety and Public Accountability

The Rayburn House Building incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining decorum within congressional facilities during high-profile investigations. While the House Judiciary Committee is a forum for rigorous debate, the transition of political disagreement into personal shouting matches creates significant security hurdles for the Capitol Police.

The concept of a “Secretary of Retribution” and the dissemination of an “Ivan Raiklin target list 350” represent a shift in domestic political rhetoric. Analysts from the Department of Justice and independent policy groups have noted that such lists, when combined with a “Raiklin constitutional sheriffs plan”—which suggests using local law enforcement to execute federal-level “raids” on political figures—create a unique pressure on the traditional separation of powers.

Societal Impact and Regional Variations in Sentiment

The response to the confrontation varied significantly across regional and political lines. In urban centers and among law enforcement advocacy groups, there was notable empathy for Fanone’s visible distress, citing the traumatic brain injury and heart attack he suffered during the 2021 Capitol riot. Conversely, in online forums and certain rural districts where the “constitutional sheriffs” movement has gained traction, Raiklin was portrayed as a calm observer facing an “unhinged” former officer.

The human impact of this volatility is most evident in the reported threats against public servants and their families. When a hearing meant to discuss federal criminal investigations is overshadowed by personal grievances and threats of litigation, the public’s trust in the legislative process can be further eroded. The Michael Flynn Ivan Raiklin connection remains a point of interest for those tracking how non-governmental organizations influence current congressional discourse.

Key Figures in the Jan. 22 Incident

• Jack Smith: Former Special Counsel testifying on 2020 election investigations.

• Michael Fanone: Former Metropolitan Police Department officer.

• Ivan Raiklin: Former Green Beret and activist; self-styled “Secretary of Retribution.”

• Harry Dunn: Former Capitol Police officer who intervened in the shouting match.

• Jim Jordan: Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

• Jamie Raskin: Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Comparative Insight: Congressional Decorum

The Jan. 22 disturbance is comparable to the 2023 Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, where a near-physical confrontation occurred between Sen. Markwayne Mullin and a witness. However, the involvement of non-testifying observers like Raiklin and Rhodes at a hearing specifically regarding the prosecution of political events introduces a layer of complexity regarding the public’s access to the Rayburn House Building and the safety of former law enforcement witnesses.

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Source and Data Limitations: This report is based on live video feeds from the House Judiciary Committee, official transcripts of the Jan. 22, 2026, hearing, and verified reporting from NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, and The Hill. Background information regarding Ivan Raiklin’s military service and “Pence Card” theory is sourced from historical Department of Defense records and 2021 congressional testimony. Details regarding the “Target List 350” and the “Secretary of Retribution” title are based on Raiklin’s public statements and social media posts as of early 2026. Claims regarding specific threats to the Fanone family remain allegations and have not been adjudicated in a court of law at the time of publication.