Family Of Ashli Babbitt, Jan. 6 Rioter Killed Trying Storm House Chamber, May Get $5M In Settlement With Trump Administration

The Trump administration is nearing a $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was killed by the Capitol Police when she stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Babbitt’s family filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration in January 2024, asking for $30 million. The Justice Department is now considering giving Babbitt’s family $5 million to settle the lawsuit.

Babbitt was a Trump supporter and believed in the QAnon conspiracy. She was shot by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd when she was a part of the crowd that was attempting to break into the Speaker’s Lobby in the House.

Following the death, a three-month investigation into the case was conducted. Byrd did not face any criminal charges. The investigation found that Byrd had complied with all the training that police receive and that Byrd’s decision saved people’s lives.

Other January 6 rioters might also receive money.

President Donald Trump stated in March that he was considering giving compensation to the now pardoned rioters. Trump pardoned the rioters on his first day of his second term as President. The rioters had lost job opportunities and wages during their prosecution, and Trump sees the crowd as patriots who were mistreated.

Trump has wished Babbitt a happy birthday on social media several times.

While the lawsuit and settlement have not yet concluded, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger has already stated that he is disappointed about the situation and does not agree with the Department of Justice’s choice to give a settlement to Babbitt’s family. He noted that this potential settlement does not send a good message to law enforcement officers nationwide.

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Article by Sherry Chen