The family of a 35-year-old woman from California who was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6th insurrection has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking $30 million in damages. Ashli Babbitt was killed while attempting to climb through a broken door into the Speaker’s Lobby outside the House Chamber as a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. The incident, which was captured on cell phone video, resulted in Babbitt’s death at a hospital. The lawsuit alleges that Babbitt was unarmed and had her hands raised when she was shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd. The family claims that Babbitt posed no threat and was ambushed by the officer, who they argue was not in uniform, did not identify himself as a police officer, and did not issue a warning before firing. However, an internal investigation conducted by Capitol Police in August 2021 concluded that Byrd had acted within department policy, violated no laws, and would not face disciplinary action. The investigation also determined that Byrd’s actions potentially saved members and staff from serious injury or death. Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, had traveled to Washington, D.C., to show her support for Trump and did not go there as part of a group or for any unlawful purpose, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses Capitol Police of assault and battery, as well as negligent use of force. Over 1,200 people have been charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with more than 700 pleading guilty. In July 2021, the individual who live-streamed Babbitt’s shooting pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of demonstrating in a Capitol building.
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Ashli Babbitt’s family seeks $30 million in lawsuit over Jan. 6 shooting death.
