Unarmed Ashli Babbitt’s Family Awarded $5 Million Payout After Jan 6
It’s a figure that raises eyebrows and sparks debate.
A significant sum has been earmarked following a controversial death.
A Fatal Encounter
On January 6, 2021, chaos unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. Amidst the turmoil, Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was part of a crowd attempting to push into the Speaker’s Lobby.
Members of Congress were being evacuated from the area as the situation escalated.
Footage from the day shows Babbitt trying to climb through a smashed window near the House chamber.
Inside the lobby, U.S. Capitol Police officers were attempting to secure the area.
It was there that Babbitt was shot and killed by Lieutenant Michael Byrd.
The Aftermath and Outcry
Babbitt’s death quickly became a focal point for many who questioned the use of force during the events of January 6.
Supporters claimed she was an unarmed protester and that the shooting was unjustified.
Her death fueled rallies and ongoing protests, particularly outside the Washington, D.C., jail, led partly by her mother, Micki Wittehoff.
This advocacy gained attention, leading to meetings with political figures and mentions by prominent voices.
An internal review by the U.S. Capitol Police in August 2021 concluded that Lieutenant Byrd’s actions were lawful and that he likely saved lives by preventing individuals from entering the House chamber.
The Legal Challenge
Despite the internal police findings, Babbitt’s family pursued legal action.
A $30 million civil lawsuit alleging wrongful death was filed against the “Trump administration” by the conservative legal group Judicial Watch on behalf of Babbitt’s estate and her husband.
The suit claimed Lieutenant Byrd was negligent in his use of force.
Allegations included that Byrd was not in full uniform and was wearing a COVID mask when he fired.
Furthermore, the lawsuit contended that Byrd failed to “de-escalate” the situation before resorting to deadly force.
It specifically stated:
Ashli was unarmed. Her hands were up in the air, empty, and in plain view of Lt. Byrd and other officers in the lobby. Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone.
The case, initially filed in California, was transferred to the Washington, D.C., federal court in 2024, where it was defended by the Justice Department under the Biden administration.
Settlement Reached
After months of legal proceedings, the parties involved reached a settlement in principle in early May.
The Justice Department has agreed to make a payment to Ashli Babbitt’s family.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger confirmed that he was informed of the agreement.
Chief Manger expressed his personal disagreement with the outcome.
I told them I was extremely disappointed, and I disagreed with the Department of Justice’s decision to settle this lawsuit.
The Payout
Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed the amount agreed upon.
The Justice Department will reportedly pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt to settle the wrongful death claim.
This substantial payout comes over three years after the controversial shooting that ended Babbitt’s life during the January 6 events at the Capitol.
The settlement closes the civil case but leaves many questions and strong opinions on both sides surrounding the events of that day and the force used.