In a significant development, the Trump administration has agreed to pay just under $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt. This settlement resolves claims related to Babbitt’s fatal shooting during the January 6 Capitol riot.
The Incident and the Lawsuit
Ashli Babbitt, a San Diego woman and Air Force veteran, was shot by a Capitol police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window near the Speaker’s Lobby during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021. At the time, she was unarmed.
Following the shooting, Babbitt’s estate filed a federal lawsuit seeking $30 million in damages, accusing the officer and the Capitol Police Department of negligence and wrongful use of force.
Officer’s Actions and Exoneration
The United States Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., concluded that the officer acted in self-defense and to protect members of Congress. Both the Department of Justice and the Capitol Police cleared the officer of any wrongdoing.
However, the lawsuit argued that the plainclothes officer did not attempt to de-escalate the situation or issue any warning before firing, and accused the police department of failing to supervise an officer they claimed was prone to dangerous behavior.
Details of the Settlement
Though the full terms of the settlement have not been made public, sources familiar with the case confirmed that the Trump administration will pay nearly $5 million to resolve the claims.
Attorneys for Babbitt’s estate and the Justice Department informed a federal judge on May 2 that they had reached a settlement in principle, with final details still being worked out before official signing.
Context: The January 6 Capitol Riot
The shooting occurred during the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol, following a rally held by then-President Donald Trump. Thousands of supporters stormed the building, clashing with law enforcement officers, injuring over a hundred.
In the aftermath, more than 1,500 individuals were charged with crimes related to the attack. President Trump later pardoned or commuted sentences for many of these individuals during his final days in office.
A Family’s Loss Amid National Turmoil
Ashli Babbitt’s death became one of the most notable and controversial moments of the January 6 events. For her family, the settlement represents a measure of closure after a tragic and public loss.
While the legal system ultimately cleared the officer, the case highlighted ongoing questions about police conduct and accountability during moments of civil unrest.
What Comes Next?
With this settlement, the lawsuit against the Trump administration is resolved, but the broader investigation and political debates surrounding January 6 continue.
The events of that day remain deeply divisive in American society, and cases like this one continue to shape the conversation about law enforcement, justice, and political protest in the United States.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
