U.S. Government Reaches $5M Settlement with Family of Ashli Babbitt Over Capitol Shooting
TDT | Manama
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The U.S. government has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol.
The settlement resolves a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family, backed by conservative group Judicial Watch. Babbitt was part of a mob attempting to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. She was shot while trying to enter the House chamber through a broken door and later died from her injuries.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger criticized the settlement, expressing “extreme disappointment” and stating that it undermines the mission of law enforcement officers who act to protect government officials. “This sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation — especially those who have a protective mission like ours,” he wrote in a staff memo, according to The Washington Post.
The officer involved, Lt. Michael Byrd, was previously cleared of wrongdoing by internal and Justice Department reviews. Officials concluded his actions were justified and likely saved lives, citing the danger posed to lawmakers and staff trapped inside the chamber.
The Babbitt family's lawsuit claimed that the shooting was unnecessary and that Babbitt had her hands raised when she was shot. The family argued that she was motivated by former President Donald Trump's unfounded claims of election fraud.
Trump, who has publicly expressed support for Babbitt, called her death “a disgrace” and promised to look into the case. In January, after returning to office, Trump issued pardons to more than 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the Capitol riot, including those charged with assaulting law enforcement. He also dismissed federal prosecutors who led those investigations.
No credible evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election has ever been found.
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