The Trump administration is reportedly set to pay $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, a participant in the January 6 Capitol Hill incident.
Babbitt, who was fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd, was attempting to breach a barricade leading to the House Speakers lobby during the tumultuous events of that day. Her death has sparked significant debate, with President Trump and her supporters arguing that excessive force was used, while Byrd maintains he acted to safeguard the members of Congress present at the time.
According to Breitbart, the Babbitt family initiated the wrongful death suit in early 2024, seeking $30 million in damages. This legal action has seen a significant development, as lawyers from both sides informed a judge that a settlement had been reached in principle, marking a shift from the Justice Department's previous stance against the case, which was slated for trial in July 2026.
Although no final agreement had been signed by the May 2 hearing, Judge Ana C. Reyes of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia instructed both parties to provide an update to the court by Thursday. Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing legal proceedings, revealed that the Justice Department has agreed to a settlement of just under $5 million.
Before this settlement, the Justice Department concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a violation of Babbitts civil rights. Concurrently, an investigation by the Capitol Police determined that Byrd acted lawfully, potentially preventing serious harm or death to members and staff from the advancing crowd of rioters.
Despite these findings, Babbitts family contends that she was unarmed and posed no threat. The lawsuit asserts, Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone, emphasizing that the former Air Force veteran was not engaged in any unlawful or malicious activities.
Mark E. Schamel, representing Lieutenant Byrd, stated, Consistent with the most recent ruling by the Supreme Court on the use of force by officers, Lieutenant Byrd did exactly what he was supposed to have done that day to protect the elected officials he was sworn to protect.
This case continues to underscore the complexities surrounding the events of January 6 and the ongoing discourse on law enforcement's use of force in such high-stakes situations.
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