Settlement Reached in Ashli Babbitt Case Against Capitol Police

Washington, D.C. — The Department of Justice has reached a settlement in principle with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed during the January 6 Capitol riot. Multiple sources confirmed that the agreement, which would avoid a trial, was reached during a court proceeding on May 2, 2025, although the details remain undisclosed.

Babbitt’s family filed a lawsuit in January 2024 seeking $30 million, alleging wrongful death against U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd, who fired the fatal shot. The lawsuit claimed Babbitt was unarmed, with her hands raised, posing no threat to officers at the time of the incident, which occurred as she attempted to climb through a broken window into the House Speaker’s Lobby.

During a brief hearing on May 2, Robert Sticht, the attorney representing Babbitt’s family, indicated that the family expects to formally sign the settlement within three weeks. The case, initially filed in California, was moved to a federal court in Washington, D.C., and had been defended by the Justice Department under the Biden administration.

Government lawyers have previously argued that Babbitt unlawfully entered the Capitol and posed a significant danger as rioters attempted to breach a secured area where lawmakers and staff were present. Defense documents noted that Byrd’s actions were in response to the rioters’ aggression, citing that heavy furniture had been used to barricade the doors.

In August 2021, the U.S. Capitol Police stated that Byrd’s actions likely saved lives, asserting that he displayed no misconduct and faced credible threats following the incident. Babbitt’s death has since become a point of contention among Trump supporters, with former President Donald Trump referring to her as a “patriot” and calling for “justice” regarding her death.

In prior statements, Trump expressed admiration for Babbitt and criticized the events surrounding her shooting. He suggested he would review the lawsuit during an interview in March, maintaining a stance that aligns with his support for those involved in the Capitol riot.

As of now, the exact terms of the settlement, including any financial compensation or acknowledgment of wrongdoing, remain undisclosed. The family’s ongoing efforts to hold the government accountable highlight the contentious nature of the January 6 events and their aftermath.