As Republican Rep. Troy Nehls attempted to place blame for the January 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Police officials and not on President Donald Trump, former Washington, DC, police officer Michael Fanone — who was severely beaten by protestors that day — interrupted with a cough and a quick message.

The incident occurred during a Thursday hearing where Jack Smith, the former special prosecutor who led two failed prosecutions against Trump, publicly testified before the House Judiciary Committee.