WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration is preparing to pay $4.9 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot during the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot, to settle a lawsuit filed by her estate, multiple sources confirmed to ABC News on Monday.
The lawsuit, filed during the Biden administration, sought $30 million in damages and was brought by Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group, on behalf of Babbitt’s family. It accused the U.S. Capitol Police and Lt. Michael Byrd of negligence in the 2021 shooting.
Background of the Case
Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from California, was shot while attempting to climb through a shattered glass panel into the Speaker’s Lobby of the Capitol during the violent breach. She was unarmed.
Key findings from past investigations:
- The Justice Department in April 2021 found no criminal wrongdoing by Lt. Byrd, citing self-defense.
- A separate internal Capitol Police investigation concluded Byrd acted lawfully and within policy.
- Officials said his actions potentially saved lives by stopping rioters from entering the House chamber.
Despite those findings, the civil lawsuit moved forward, ultimately leading to the near-$5 million settlement.
Capitol Police Chief Disagrees with Settlement
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger voiced strong opposition to the settlement in a statement to ABC News.
“This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide,” Manger said. “In 2021, the DOJ investigation determined no wrongdoing by police.”
He emphasized that Byrd’s actions were consistent with training and likely prevented further injury or death to lawmakers and staff.
Political and Legal Fallout
It remains unclear whether the settlement will include an admission of fault by the Capitol Police or the Justice Department. Neither DOJ officials nor attorneys for Babbitt’s estate responded to media inquiries as of Monday.
The Washington Post first reported the settlement amount.
Former President Donald Trump, who has frequently mentioned Babbitt in speeches and interviews, called her a “really good person” and criticized her death as unjust. Earlier this year, Trump said he wasn’t aware of the lawsuit but promised to “look into it.”
Trump has repeatedly used Babbitt’s case to highlight what he calls “double standards” in the justice system and has pardoned most of the 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riot.
“Letting violent criminals who attacked police officers off the hook… sends the wrong message,” Manger previously wrote in a department memo.
What Happens Next?
- The final terms of the agreement are still pending formal court approval.
- It’s not yet clear whether the DOJ will be required to revise its public position on the shooting.
- Capitol Police and federal law enforcement agencies are bracing for how the decision could shape future responses to civil unrest.
Source Attribution
Information sourced from:
- ABC News
- The Washington Post
- U.S. Capitol Police statements
- DOJ and Judicial Watch press materials
**This article was written by [Frank Mooney]. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.**