A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s estate against the U.S. Justice Department has reached a confidential settlement, marking a quiet legal resolution to one of the most controversial deaths from the January 6 Capitol riots.
At a Glance
- Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd during the 2021 riot
- Her estate sought $30 million in damages from the Justice Department
- Officer Byrd was previously cleared by internal and external investigations
- A federal judge announced a settlement in principle during an emergency hearing
- The agreement revives debate over use of force and legal accountability
High-Stakes Lawsuit Ends in Confidential Deal
The family of Ashli Babbitt has reached a “settlement in principle” with the Department of Justice, resolving a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit tied to the January 6 Capitol insurrection. As reported by ABC News, the lawsuit originally sought $30 million, alleging that Babbitt was shot without proper warning while attempting to climb through a barricaded door toward the Speaker’s Lobby.
The settlement was disclosed during an emergency court hearing presided over by Judge Ana Reyes. While the terms remain undisclosed, DNYUZ noted that both parties signaled intent to finalize the agreement in the coming weeks. The lawsuit accused Capitol Police of failing to de-escalate the situation and claimed Babbitt posed “no threat to the safety of anyone.”
Watch ABC News’ coverage of the settlement at DOJ reaches ‘settlement in principle’ over death of Ashli Babbitt.
Officer Cleared, But Controversy Persists
Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd, who fired the fatal shot, was previously cleared of wrongdoing by both the Capitol Police and the Justice Department’s internal review. Byrd had maintained that the shooting was a “last resort” decision made in defense of lawmakers sheltering just feet away from the barricade, according to statements included in the DNYUZ report.
Though cleared legally, Byrd has continued to face public scrutiny and threats. He later spoke publicly about the psychological toll the incident had taken on him, asserting that he acted to protect lives during an unprecedented security breach at the Capitol.
Political Reverberations and Public Response
Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and staunch Trump supporter, quickly became a martyr-like figure among some far-right groups. Former President Donald Trump has called her death “murder,” though he admitted he was unaware of the lawsuit’s details.
Legal experts say the settlement may signal the DOJ’s intent to avoid prolonged litigation over a politically and emotionally charged event. However, the lack of a public trial or findings leaves many questions unresolved for both Babbitt’s supporters and those who defend Byrd’s actions as justified and necessary.
As debate over accountability, law enforcement discretion, and the legacy of January 6 continues, this closed-door resolution serves as yet another reminder of the day’s enduring impact on American politics and public trust.
Would you like a side-by-side analysis comparing this case to other Capitol riot-related legal outcomes?
