“It’s been very difficult seeing elected officials ... whitewash the events of that day"

“It’s been very difficult seeing elected officials and other individuals kind of whitewash the events of that day or downplay what happened,” Fanone said. While he didn’t mention Trump by name, he referenced the former president’s claim that the rioters were “hugging and kissing” police... Lemon asked Fanone to respond to rhetoric casting the rioters as harmless patriots. “I think it’s dangerous,” Fanone said. “I experienced a group of individuals that were trying to kill me to accomplish their goal.” Fanone had to pause as he grew emotional, apologizing to Lemon. “I experienced the most brutal, savage hand to hand combat of my entire life,” he continued. “Let alone my policing career, which spans almost two decades.”