Democrats have recently expressed opposition to the use of lethal force by federal law enforcement, even initiating murder charges related to shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis and Portland. Yet, their stance regarding the deadly force used by U.S. Capitol Police against Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 riot reveals a different perspective on law enforcement’s use of gunfire.
This year, prominent Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Trump administration’s claim that a federal immigration officer’s shooting was justified. They also condemned the hefty settlement awarded to Babbitt’s family, describing it as a “slap in the face” and a “disgusting message to police.” Babbitt was shot while attempting to breach the Speaker’s Lobby amidst the chaos of the Capitol riot.
Interestingly, several Democrats who supported law enforcement’s actions during the January 6 events have been vocal in their critiques of federal Border Patrol agents after the recent shootings in Portland and Minneapolis, some even labeling them as murderers.
In Minneapolis, an individual accused of obstructing federal deportation efforts was shot and killed by ICE, while in Portland, two undocumented immigrants, involved in alleged criminal activities, were shot by CBP officers when their vehicle tried to ram an agent.
Representative Dan Goldman described ICE’s actions as “murder” in a post online. However, just days earlier on the anniversary of the Capitol riot, he had introduced legislation meant to honor those who defended the Capitol on that day.
Representative Pramila Jayapal criticized Republicans for allegedly disrespecting Capitol Police actions during the riot, claiming she was close to Babbitt at the time. Yet after the latest shooting, she accused federal Border Patrol agents of murder, describing the incident as genuinely looking like a “complete murder.”
Interestingly, some Democrats who previously praised Capitol Police actions during January 6 have now denounced the shootings by federal officers. Crow complained about a lack of recognition for the Capitol Police but didn’t shy away from calling the federal shooting “murder.” Raskin was equally troubled by the multimillion-dollar settlement awarded to Babbitt’s family, expressing disgust at the ICE agents involved in the Minneapolis incident.
Meanwhile, Representative Suzanne Bonamici referred to a gang member shot in the Portland incident as a “victim,” even while she had previously celebrated the “heroism” of the U.S. Capitol Police after the riot, suggesting they deserve commendations.
Rick Wilson from the Anti-Trump Lincoln Foundation weighed in on the contrasting Democratic responses, suggesting that while Babbitt was seen as a “domestic terrorist,” the woman killed in Minneapolis was simply a mother and thus highlighted a moral inconsistency.
When asked for comments, Raskin reiterated Wilson’s viewpoint and claimed two investigations deemed the Capitol Police’s shooting reasonable, further asserting that those who believe the treatment of the woman in Minneapolis was appropriate must also consider extreme actions taken against many protestors on January 6.
“Without any investigation, President Trump and his administration labeled Ms. Goode—a mother of three—a ‘domestic terrorist,’ paving the way for her death,” Raskin stated. He also called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to answer questions regarding the Minnesota incident.
After the shooting, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks expressed strong disapproval of the rhetoric coming from left-wing politicians, suggesting it encourages dangerous actions against federal agents. “The constant lies and inflammatory language are putting voters at risk,” he stated.
