The Trump administration has indicated a willingness to settle the $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This development marks a significant shift in the government’s stance on the case.
Ashli Babbitt, 35, was shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd as she attempted to enter the Speaker’s Lobby through a broken door. The incident occurred amid a chaotic scene where protesters sought to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College vote. Babbitt was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
In January 2024, Babbitt’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $30 million in damages, alleging excessive use of force and negligence. The lawsuit contends that Lt. Byrd did not issue a verbal warning before firing and that Babbitt posed no immediate threat to officers or members of Congress. The Department of Justice previously declined to file criminal charges against Lt. Byrd, stating there was insufficient evidence to support prosecution.
Recent court filings reveal that both parties have agreed to work in good faith to resolve the issues in this case, signaling potential settlement discussions. Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch, which is representing Babbitt’s estate and her husband, Aaron Babbitt, expressed hope for justice, stating, “All we want is justice and we hope the Justice Department under President Trump would share that goal ultimately.”
This development comes amid broader discussions about the use of force by law enforcement during the Capitol riot and the legal ramifications for officers involved. The potential settlement could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
