Bulwark Takes: Michael Fanone Isn't SCARED Of Jan. 6 "Fkers" Like Enrique Tarrio**
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Michael Fanone

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller engages in a candid and intense conversation with Michael Fanone, a former police officer and a prominent figure in the discourse surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. The discussion delves deep into Fanone's experiences, the resurgence of extremist groups like the Proud Boys, the implications of presidential pardons, and the personal toll these events have taken on Fanone and his family.

Encounter with Enrique Tarrio and the Proud Boys

Tim Miller opens the discussion by recounting an alarming encounter during the "Principal's First Conference," where Enrique Tarrio and members of the Proud Boys attempted to intimidate attendees.

"I was hiding behind him [Fanone] at the principal's first conference over the weekend when Enrique Tarrio and some of these who led the attack on the Capitol, you know, came and tried to menace people..." [01:31]

Michael Fanone responds by providing context about the Proud Boys, emphasizing their violent tendencies and integration into the MAGA movement.

"Specifically the Proud Boys... they would violently attack anyone who was opposed to their viewpoints. And they are very much so embedded in the MAGA movement." [02:12]

He further critiques Tarrio's leadership, suggesting that Tarrio is more interested in creating viral moments for personal gain rather than genuine activism.

"His motivations are monetary... he likes to create these viral moments, put them out on social media to build his brand..." [03:00]

Tactics and Motivations of Extremist Groups

The conversation shifts to analyze the strategies employed by extremist factions. Fanone draws parallels between these modern groups and historical organizations, highlighting their use of intimidation and violence to suppress opposition.

"They use the tactics, the same tactics of the brown shirts in 1930s and 40s Germany. They harass, they intimidate, and they use violence..." [07:42]

Tim Miller underscores the performative aspects of these groups, questioning how such actions align with traditional notions of masculinity.

"It might be even less masculine to try to settle a dispute by having a flunky videotape you for TikTok while you yell at somebody." [04:38]

Fanone counters by emphasizing the seriousness of their intentions, particularly highlighting the dangers posed by members possessing illegal weapons.

"This is someone who has grenades in their house... There's an active extremist group that has found an ally in the President of the United States." [10:16]

Impact of Presidential Pardons

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the controversial pardons issued by former President Donald Trump to individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection. Fanone criticizes these pardons for empowering violent extremists and undermining justice.

"Donald Trump, in pardoning hundreds of violent insurrectionists... created his own civilian militia... they feel emboldened to commit acts of violence on his behalf..." [07:52]

Tim Miller adds to this by referencing a specific case where a pardoned individual possessed dangerous weapons, underscoring the lack of accountability.

"Another situation where one of the guys that got pardoned... he had grenades. He just sawed off shotgun... DOJ issued a statement... covers this guy who had grenades." [09:17]

Fanone stresses the severity of these actions, linking them to a broader threat against American democracy.

"Experts must be deeply concerning to every average everyday Americans... they are lunatic leftists that are destroying the fabric of our country." [10:28]

Personal Toll and Threats Against Family

The conversation takes a personal turn as Fanone reveals the direct threats and harassment he and his family have endured as a result of his stance against extremist groups.

"Pretty much every member of my family... has suffered these threats and harassment. My mother seemed to have borne the brunt of it... she's been swatted in recent months." [10:54]

He recounts specific incidents, including bomb threats and physical confrontations aimed at his family, highlighting the ongoing danger they face.

"My mother's house was also targeted with a bomb threat... all of my immediate family has received harassing phone calls, threats, and other forms of harassment." [11:14]

Despite these challenges, Fanone maintains his composure and determination to speak out, finding catharsis in sharing his experiences through platforms like The Bulwark.

"Having opportunities like the Bulwark to come out and talk about these things is incredibly cathartic for me." [12:22]

Political Polarization and the Struggle to Reach Moderate Republicans

Tim Miller shifts the focus to the broader political landscape, particularly the difficulty the Democratic Party faces in addressing the more moderate, working-class Republicans who have been swayed by Trump's rhetoric.

"These are the guys that have been moving more and more towards Trump and MAGA... how do you break through with folks by talking about just like the damage that they're doing..." [14:00]

Michael Fanone attributes this polarization to a disconnect between politicians and the average American, critiquing the Democratic Party's approach to policing and community relations.

"When I started to pay attention was to defund the police movement... Democrats really just instead of having the conversation in a productive way, they used it to bash cops, to try to get votes." [14:58]

He argues that this alienation has propelled previously apolitical individuals towards extremist ideologies.

"The Democrats have taken this, we're just going to sit back and see what happens... that's pathetic." [16:00]

Strategies for Bridging the Cultural Gap

Fanone emphasizes the necessity of impacting individual lives to bridge the cultural and political divide. He suggests that personal connections and addressing tangible issues faced by Americans can be more effective than broad ideological battles.

"What's going to have to happen is it has to impact individual Americans' lives... resonating with people when they can't put food on the table and they can't support their families." [17:58]

Tim Miller concurs, highlighting the importance of addressing real-world problems to connect with disillusioned voters.

"There's got to be a way to break through with folks by talking about just like the damage that they're doing to federal law enforcement..." [17:02]

Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, both hosts reaffirm their commitment to addressing these critical issues. Fanone looks forward to continuing the conversation, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue and action to protect democracy and support those targeted by extremist groups.

"Only now are we starting to kind of see what's in store for all of us... Maybe now people will start to see that this behavior is unacceptable." [12:22]

Tim Miller encourages listeners to stay engaged and informed, signaling future discussions on related topics.

"We're going to be bringing you back... there's gonna be fucking more news on the law enforcement front and the pardon front and the Proud Boy front." [19:13]

Key Takeaways

• Persisting Threats: Michael Fanone highlights the ongoing dangers posed by extremist groups like the Proud Boys, emphasizing their violent tactics and the personal threats faced by individuals opposing them.

• Impact of Pardons: The discussion underscores the detrimental effects of presidential pardons for January 6th participants, suggesting they embolden further extremist actions and undermine justice.

• Political Polarization: A significant disconnect between political parties and the average American has fueled support for extremist ideologies, particularly within the working-class demographic.

• Personal Resilience: Despite facing severe harassment and threats, Fanone remains steadfast in his mission to advocate for democracy and accountability, finding solace in platforms that allow him to share his experiences.

• Strategic Engagement: Bridging the cultural and political divide requires addressing individual concerns and building personal connections, rather than relying solely on ideological arguments.

Notable Quotes

• Michael Fanone:
  "They are lunatic leftists that are destroying the fabric of our country." [10:28]
  "Having opportunities like the Bulwark to come out and talk about these things is incredibly cathartic for me." [12:22]

• Tim Miller:
  "These are the guys that have been moving more and more towards Trump and MAGA... how do you break through with folks by talking about just like the damage that they're doing..." [14:00]
  "There's got to be a way to break through with folks by talking about just like the damage that they're doing to federal law enforcement..." [17:02]

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a profound exploration of the challenges facing American democracy, the resurgence of extremist groups, and the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines defending it. Michael Fanone's insights provide a critical lens through which listeners can understand the complexities of political polarization and the urgent need for meaningful engagement and action.