The office declined to pursue charges.
QUICK FACTS:
- Prosecutors have dropped the charges against Ashli Babbitt’s mother, Micki Witthoeft, according to a report from The Hill.
- Witthoeft was charged on the two-year anniversary of January 6, 2021, for illegally blocking traffic and disobeying police.
- She refused to leave the street when asked by the police.
- “We’re not discussing it,” an officer can be heard saying in video footage of the incident.
- “Sidewalk now, or you’re under arrest. It’s that simple. We’re not discussing it. We’re not having any discussions. The sidewalk, or you’ll be placed under arrest,” said another policeman.
- A spokesperson for the Office of the D.C. Attorney General, Gabriel Shoglow-Rubenstein, said the office declined to pursue the case but did not state a specific reason for its decision.
ASHLI BABBITT’S DEATH:
- Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed by Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6 insurrection after attempting to breach barricaded doors.
- Babbitt was not in possession of a weapon.
- U.S. Capitol police investigated Babbitt’s death and determined that the use of force was appropriate.
- Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing without an interview, the Babbitts’ family lawyer Terry Roberts commented on the move: “It’s astonishing how skimpy his investigative file is.”
- The Justice Department said there “was not enough evidence” to decide Byrd acted recklessly.
BACKGROUND:
- Ashli Babbitt’s shooter is currently living at the Presidential Inn at Joint Base Andrews.
- Byrd’s stay is being funded by taxpayer dollars.
