Capitol Police Chief Slams $5 Million Ashli Babbitt Settlement Decision
A staggering sum has reportedly been agreed upon.
And the head of the force involved is not happy about it.
The Tragedy of January 6th
The events of January 6, 2021, remain a stark moment in recent history.
Hundreds of individuals breached the U.S. Capitol building. They were protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
Among them was Ashli Babbitt.
What Happened to Ashli Babbitt?
Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, was attempting to climb through a broken window. The window led to the Speaker’s Lobby inside the Capitol.
Security footage and witness accounts show her among a crowd pushing against a barricaded door.
Suddenly, a shot rang out.
Babbitt fell backward, severely wounded.
Despite attempts to render aid, she was rushed to a hospital but tragically could not be saved. She died from the gunshot wound.
She was one of several fatalities linked to the events of that day.
The Investigation That Followed
The Capitol Police officer who fired the shot was immediately placed under investigation.
Both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Capitol Police conducted thorough reviews.
These investigations concluded that the officer acted lawfully.
They determined he was acting in self-defense and to protect members of Congress who were being evacuated from the area.
The officer was cleared of any wrongdoing.
The Family’s Legal Battle
Despite the official findings, Ashli Babbitt’s family sought accountability.
Her estate, represented by her husband, Aaron, filed a significant lawsuit.
They were reportedly seeking $30 million in damages, alleging wrongful death.
This lawsuit kept the legal fight alive, long after the initial investigations concluded.
The case has drawn considerable attention, becoming a focal point for discussions around the events of January 6th and the use of force by law enforcement.
Her mother, Micki Witthoeft, has been a prominent advocate, keeping her daughter’s memory in the public eye.
A Shocking Development Emerges
Years after the tragic events, a significant turn in the legal case has reportedly occurred.
Reports indicate that the Justice Department has reached an agreement in principle.
They have reportedly agreed to pay Ashli Babbitt’s family a substantial sum.
That figure is reportedly $5 million.
Attorneys for both the Justice Department and Babbitt’s estate disclosed this agreement during a recent court hearing.
The Chief’s Powerful Response
This reported settlement has not been met with universal approval, especially within the force involved.
United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger issued a strong statement to his officers after hearing of the proposed agreement.
He did not hold back his feelings.
“In 2021, the DOJ said that there was no evidence to show that law enforcement broke the law. After a thorough investigation, it was determined to be a justified shooting,” Manger wrote, according to reports. “This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation — especially those who have a protective mission like ours.”
Chief Manger stated he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision.
His reaction highlights a deep concern that the settlement undermines the justification of the officer’s actions on that chaotic day, despite multiple investigations clearing him.
The agreement in principle still needs to be finalized, but the reported figure and the police chief’s reaction are already sparking intense debate.