Trump Administration Settles Ashli Babbitt Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Nearly $5 Million

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The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot by Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021, riot. The settlement resolves a $30 million claim that alleged excessive force and negligence by law enforcement. Although the payment has not been officially confirmed in public court records, multiple sources have verified the terms.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was shot while attempting to climb through a broken window leading to the Speaker’s Lobby, an area lawmakers were evacuating from at the time. The officer who fired the shot, Lt. Michael Byrd, was cleared of wrongdoing in 2021 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and later by an internal Capitol Police review. Both investigations concluded that Byrd’s actions were lawful and consistent with department policy.

Conflicting Views on Accountability and Risk

The settlement has reignited public debate over whether Babbitt’s death was avoidable or an unfortunate consequence of a high-risk breach. According to the lawsuit, the officer failed to issue any verbal warnings or attempt de-escalation before firing. Her family claims she posed no threat and accuses the Capitol Police of failing to properly assess the officer’s readiness for high-pressure encounters.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed disappointment in the settlement. In a statement, he warned that the decision sends a dangerous message to law enforcement officers, especially those tasked with protecting federal institutions. “This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation,” he said. “It may make them think twice before taking decisive action under threat.”

Supporters of the Babbitt family, including conservative activist groups like Judicial Watch, have treated the settlement as a partial admission of fault. They argue that Babbitt was unarmed and unfairly portrayed as a violent actor. The family’s lawyers maintain that she was denied due process in a moment of confusion and fear.

Legal Closure, Political Fallout

The Justice Department has not commented on whether the settlement involves any changes to its prior findings. At present, the agency maintains that Byrd acted in self-defense. He has stated publicly that he feared for the lives of lawmakers and staff who were just steps away from the locked chamber.

The lawsuit’s resolution comes more than four years after the riot that interrupted Congress’s certification of the 2020 election results. Thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol after attending a rally near the White House. More than 1,500 individuals were charged in connection with the riot. In January, President Trump issued blanket pardons for all defendants involved.

Babbitt became a flashpoint in the larger narrative surrounding January 6. Trump has repeatedly mentioned her death in speeches and interviews, calling her an “innocent patriot” and suggesting the government failed to protect her rights. In March, he said the lawsuit deserved a full review and pledged to support her family’s pursuit of justice.

Public Reaction and Implications for Law Enforcement

The settlement is already drawing strong reactions. Civil rights groups are watching closely to see if the DOJ modifies its stance. Law enforcement organizations have raised concerns that future split-second decisions will now come under even greater scrutiny. Others argue that the financial resolution reflects a desire to avoid prolonged public litigation in an already polarized climate.

Whether the payment will lead to policy changes within the Capitol Police remains unclear. The department has defended its officers’ conduct on January 6, stating that the Speaker’s Lobby was one of the last physical barriers protecting lawmakers from an advancing crowd.

For Babbitt’s family, the agreement offers financial closure but not necessarily vindication. Her mother, Micki Witthoeft, said the case was about more than money. “Ashli didn’t deserve to die. We needed to hold someone accountable. This is a start.”

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