The Department of Justice has agreed to pay $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force veteran who was shot during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. This settlement comes after Babbitt’s estate, through her husband Aaron, filed a lawsuit for $30 million related to her death.
During a recent court hearing, attorneys representing both the Justice Department and Babbitt’s estate announced they had reached a settlement in principle, according to reports.
Babbitt was one of many supporters of then-President Donald Trump who attempted to breach the Capitol as Congress formally confirmed President Joe Biden’s election victory. A video clip from the day shows her, donning a star-spangled backpack and a Trump flag around her neck, trying to enter through the speaker’s lobby when shots rang out. Witnesses reported seeing her retreat.
She was quickly transported to the Washington Hospital Center but unfortunately did not survive her injuries. Internal reviews concluded that the Capitol police officer who shot her acted in self-defense while protecting members of Congress.
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger expressed disappointment over the settlement, citing prior statements from the DOJ indicating there was no evidence of wrongdoing by law enforcement. He noted that the settlement might send a troubling message to law enforcement nationwide.
While the situation surrounding Ashli Babbitt’s tragic death remains contentious, it seems to be part of a broader conversation around accountability and the actions taken during that day in January.
