Settlement Reached in Ashli Babbitt’s Fatal Shooting Case

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has reached a preliminary agreement to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot by a U.S. Capitol Police officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Attorneys for Babbitt’s estate and the Justice Department confirmed the settlement in principle during a court hearing on Friday. However, the terms have not yet been finalized and the agreement is not yet signed.

Babbitt’s family is seeking $30 million in their lawsuit, claiming her shooting was unjustified. On January 6, as a mob breached the Capitol, Babbitt attempted to climb through a smashed window leading to the House Speaker’s Lobby. The lawsuit alleges that the officer, identified as Michael Byrd, did not follow proper procedures to de-escalate the situation.

The family claims Babbitt was unarmed and posed no threat at the time of the shooting. The suit argues: ‘Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone,’ noting her hands were raised and empty.

In response to the lawsuit, the Justice Department stated that Babbitt unlawfully entered the Capitol and that Byrd acted in self-defense to protect members of Congress. Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia after determining his actions were justified.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, became a symbol for some Trump supporters following her death. Former President Trump has referred to her as a “patriot” and said he would look into the circumstances of her shooting.

The case, initially filed in California, has since moved to federal court in Washington, D.C., where the settlement discussions are taking place. The final terms of the agreement, including any potential financial compensation, remain undisclosed.

As the legal process continues, the family’s attorney has expressed hope for a swift resolution to the case.