DOJ settles wrongful death lawsuit over Ashli Babbitt shooting
- The family of Ashli Babbitt sued the government for $30 million, claiming wrongful death.
- The shooting took place during the January 6 Capitol riot, and the officer involved was cleared of any wrongdoing.
- A settlement agreement has been reached, expectations are set for a formal signing in weeks.
In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a preliminary agreement to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot during the January 6 Capitol riot. The family sought $30 million, alleging that Babbitt’s shooting by Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd was wrongful. The incident occurred when Babbitt, attempting to breach a barricade, climbed through a broken window leading to the Speaker's Lobby. Following investigations, Officer Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office deemed he acted in self-defense and to protect lawmakers sheltering nearby. The settlement’s details remain undisclosed, and the family’s attorney indicated the agreement would be formalized within weeks. Meanwhile, Babbitt's case has attracted significant political attention, including expressions of support from former President Donald Trump, who called for justice for Babbitt and labeled her death a murder. The situation has underscored the broader implications regarding law enforcement actions during the Capitol riot, which continues to evoke national debate around public safety and the rights of protesters. This lawsuit encapsulates the ongoing struggle for accountability and the factors initiating violence at political gatherings in the United States, challenging both law enforcement procedures and the public's perceptions of justice.