The Trump administration has agreed to pay a $4.975 million settlement in the lawsuit over the wrongful death of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Capitol Police officer during the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from California, attended President Donald Trump’s rally in Washington and was part of the group that breached the Capitol building. The settlement details were disclosed by Judicial Watch, a pro-Trump advocacy group representing Babbitt’s estate. The Department of Justice has not commented on the settlement.
Details of the Settlement and Reactions
This settlement is expected to spark further controversy on Capitol Hill regarding the handling of the riot aftermath. Former Capitol Police chief Thomas Manger criticized the reported settlement, expressing concerns about the message it sends to law enforcement agencies across the country.
During the riot, as the mob attempted to enter the Speaker’s Lobby, where lawmakers were evacuating, Babbitt was seen trying to climb through a broken window. It was at this moment that Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd fired the fatal shot. Byrd was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by both local and federal investigations.
Although Babbitt was the only rioter shot and killed by law enforcement, multiple others lost their lives during or immediately after the protest. Additionally, over 100 Capitol Police officers sustained injuries during the unrest.
Lawsuit and Settlement Details
The lawsuit, filed by Babbitt’s family in California in 2024, included claims of wrongful death, assault, battery, and negligence. Originally scheduled for trial in 2026, both parties reached a settlement agreement. The specifics of the settlement were not disclosed in the joint filing submitted by government attorneys and Babbitt’s representatives.
Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch, hailed the settlement as a crucial step towards justice for Ashli Babbitt’s family, emphasizing that her death was unwarranted. Fitton also underscored the importance of dispelling any narratives that justified the shooting.
Political Reactions and Pardons
Former President Trump has been vocal in his support for Babbitt, characterizing her as a patriot and condemning her death at the hands of the Capitol Police. The Trump administration has sought to reframe the events of Jan. 6 as acts of patriotism and free expression, contrary to the widespread condemnation of the insurrection in 2021.
Trump’s actions included pardoning numerous individuals charged in connection with the riot, including those accused of assaulting law enforcement officers. Subsequent arrests have been made in unrelated cases involving participants in the Jan. 6 events.
This settlement marks a significant development in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot, highlighting the complex legal and political repercussions of that tumultuous day.
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