U.S. Government Agrees to Nearly $5 Million Settlement in Ashli Babbitt Wrongful Death Lawsuit
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning
Why: The report emphasizes the settlement in a way that aligns with right-leaning narratives portraying Babbitt as a victim and highlighting government accountability, while minimizing focus on the broader Capitol riot context.
Settlement Overview
The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman shot and killed by Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The settlement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Babbitt’s estate, which had initially sought $30 million in damages.
Background of the Incident
Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from California, was among the rioters who attempted to force their way into the Speaker’s Lobby, a restricted area near the House Chamber. She was shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she tried to climb through a broken glass window of a barricaded door.
Babbitt was unarmed at the time. The shooting was captured on video and widely circulated, becoming one of the most controversial moments of the Capitol riot.
Legal Proceedings
Babbitt’s family filed the lawsuit in 2024, arguing that she did not pose a serious threat and that lethal force was not justified. The case was on track to go to trial in July 2026. Initially, the Justice Department defended the shooting and moved to dismiss the lawsuit. However, under the Trump administration, the department reversed its stance and agreed to settle.
Settlement Details
Amount Agreed: Nearly $5 million
Legal Fees: About one-third of the settlement will go to Babbitt’s attorneys, which include the conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch and Virginia-based lawyer Richard Driscoll
Current Status: The agreement has been finalized but is awaiting formal signing and public confirmation from the court
Officer Involved
Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who shot Babbitt, was cleared of wrongdoing by both the Justice Department and the Capitol Police. Official investigations concluded that his actions were lawful and necessary to protect members of Congress and staff in imminent danger.
Political Context
Ashli Babbitt has been embraced by many on the political right as a symbol of government overreach. Former President Donald Trump has referred to her as a martyr and has repeatedly called for justice on her behalf.
The Trump administration’s Justice Department agreeing to the settlement represents a notable political shift, particularly considering earlier rejections of Babbitt’s family’s claims under the Biden administration.
Broader Implications
The settlement is one of the largest ever paid by the federal government related to a Capitol Police shooting. It also comes amid continuing debate about the events of January 6, law enforcement accountability, and how different political actors interpret those events. This case is likely to remain a point of contention in discussions around the legacy of the Capitol attack and how justice is applied to participants and victims alike.
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