Bulwark Takes: "Stop Using Cops as Props!"

Release Date: May 18, 2025
Host: The Bulwark
Guest: Officer Michael Fanone, Former Metropolitan DC Police Department

Introduction

In the episode titled "Stop Using Cops as Props!" from Bulwark Takes, Ben Parker interviews Officer Michael Fanone, a decorated member of the Metropolitan DC Police Department and a hero from the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. The discussion delves into the politicization of law enforcement, the aftermath of January 6th, and the complex relationship between politicians and police officers.

Background of Officer Michael Fanone

[00:00] Ben Parker:
Ben Parker introduces Officer Michael Fanone, highlighting his bravery during the January 6th insurrection and his long-standing career in law enforcement.

[00:19] Michael Fanone:
Fanone clarifies his role, emphasizing that he was among the police officers defending the Capitol, not the insurrectionists.

Motivation Behind "From One Cop to Another"

[01:00] Michael Fanone:
Fanone discusses his Substack piece, "From One Cop to Another," written for National Police Officers Memorial Day. He reflects on his two-decade tenure with the Metropolitan Police Department and a year with the US Capitol Police. Fanone expresses concern over how both major political parties have politicized and pandered to law enforcement, adversely affecting officers' integrity and duties.

[02:10] Michael Fanone:
He warns officers about the Republican Party's superficial praise, suggesting it masks ulterior motives that may compel officers to engage in immoral or illegal actions. Fanone underscores the importance of officers adhering to their constitutional oaths over political affiliations.

Politicization of Law Enforcement

[03:50] Ben Parker:
Parker summarizes Fanone's argument, stating that politicians' overt support for police often seeks something in return, rather than genuine admiration for law enforcement.

[04:20] Michael Fanone:
Fanone cites January 6th as a prime example of politicization. He criticizes the administration's actions, including the pardon of individuals who assaulted officers, arguing it undermines the notion that the Republican Party genuinely supports law enforcement.

Experiences from January 6th

[06:11] Ben Parker:
Parker prompts Fanone to elaborate on the assaults he and his fellow officers endured during the insurrection, referencing viral videos that captured the brutality.

[06:49] Michael Fanone:
Fanone recounts the violent attacks he faced, detailing how assailants physically restrained and assaulted him, including attempts to disarm him. He emphasizes the coordinated nature of the assault and the use of tools like tasers against officers.

[07:52] Ben Parker:
Parker acknowledges Fanone's testimony during the suspects' trials.

[07:54] Michael Fanone:
Fanone explains that all assailants pleaded guilty, providing truthful accounts during sentencing hearings and accepting responsibility for their actions. He expresses disillusionment when Donald Trump pardoned these individuals, undermining the rule of law.

Post-Pardon Reflections and Attempts at Confrontation

[08:17] Ben Parker:
Parker inquires about any interactions Fanone has had with the pardoned insurrectionists.

[09:06] Ben Parker:
He references an incident where insurrectionists attempted to confront Fanone at a conference, interpreting it as an attempt to intimidate.

[09:23] Ben Parker:
Parker describes the confrontation initiated by Ivan Ranklin and Enrique Tario, suggesting it was orchestrated for viral attention.

[09:53] Michael Fanone:
Fanone discusses the motivations behind such confrontations, highlighting the commercialization of the insurrectionists' actions through merchandise sales and their attempts to incite fear among opponents.

The Impact of Politicization on Law Enforcement

[10:28] Ben Parker:
Parker offers a personal perspective, noting his instinct to confront intimidation tactics, contrasting with the insurrectionists' intentions.

[11:08] Michael Fanone:
Fanone reflects on the early signs of politicization within law enforcement, particularly following the Michael Brown shooting. He criticizes how media and political narratives portrayed police negatively, leading to increased violence against officers and eroding community relationships.

[14:45] Ben Parker:
Parker acknowledges Fanone's points and transitions to discussing the absence of a truly pro-police political party.

[14:46] Michael Fanone:
Fanone elaborates on how both major political parties have co-opted law enforcement into the broader culture war, diminishing genuine support for officers. He advocates for distancing politicians from police activities to preserve the integrity of law enforcement.

Advice to Fellow Officers and Conclusion

[17:50] Ben Parker:
Parker highlights the final advice from Fanone's piece, where he advises officers to respond assertively when ordered to act against constitutional principles.

[18:12] Michael Fanone:
Fanone shares his blunt response to such orders: "This is America and you should go fuck yourself," emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional values over political directives.

[18:17] Ben Parker:
Parker thanks Fanone for his insights, encouraging listeners to engage with The Bulwark community.

Notable Quotes

• Michael Fanone on Political Motivations:
  "[...] the motivation behind it is because this administration wants you to do things that are immoral and in many cases, illegal."
  [02:10]

• Michael Fanone on Constitutional Oath:
  "It's important for officers to think about their oath to the Constitution and what that means and recognize the fact that they work for the American people..."
  [02:10]

• Michael Fanone on January 6th Assaults:
  "It was a violent and brutal assault."
  [07:52]

• Michael Fanone on Pardons:
  "[...] he would pardon individuals who were afforded due process after having assaulted police officers and then sentenced to jail time and then were let go. It just doesn't. It doesn't add up."
  [08:26]

• Michael Fanone on Politicization:
  "Politicization, regardless of what side of the aisle is incredibly dangerous in this country."
  [14:46]

• Michael Fanone's Advice:
  "This is America and you should go fuck yourself."
  [18:12]

Key Takeaways

1. Politicization of Law Enforcement: Both major political parties have leveraged police support for partisan gains, compromising the integrity and neutrality of law enforcement.

2. January 6th Insurrection: Fanone emphasizes the violent assaults on officers during the insurrection and criticizes subsequent political actions, such as pardons, that undermine justice and the rule of law.

3. Impact on Officers: The politicization has led to increased violence against officers, erosion of community trust, and internal conflicts within law enforcement regarding allegiance and duty.

4. Call for Neutrality: Fanone advocates for the separation of politics and policing, urging politicians to refrain from using police as political props to preserve the sanctity and independence of law enforcement.

5. Personal Integrity: Officers are encouraged to uphold their constitutional oaths above political pressures, even in the face of intimidation or coercion.

Conclusion

In "Stop Using Cops as Props!", Officer Michael Fanone offers a poignant critique of the current state of law enforcement's relationship with politics in the United States. He calls for a return to principled policing, free from political agendas, to ensure that officers serve the American people with integrity and uphold the Constitution above all.