An ashli babbitt lawsuit update has been making headlines. The family of Ashli Babbitt, who was tragically killed during the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, has reached a settlement. This development brings a significant legal chapter to a close, though the circumstances surrounding her death continue to be a subject of discussion. Let’s break down what this settlement means.
Key Takeaways
- A $4.975 million settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family against the U.S. Government.
- The settlement aims to resolve all claims related to the January 6, 2021, shooting incident at the U.S. Capitol.
- Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, was the only person to die as a direct result of the events on January 6th.
- The lawsuit alleged wrongful death and negligence against the government and Officer Michael Byrd, who fired the fatal shot.
- While the settlement provides financial resolution, Officer Michael Byrd faced no criminal charges or internal disciplinary action.
Ashli Babbitt Lawsuit Settlement Reached
It’s been a long road, but finally, there’s a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit concerning Ashli Babbitt. Judicial Watch announced that the U.S. Government has agreed to pay $4.975 million to her family. This case has been a focal point for many since January 6, 2021, and this agreement marks a significant development.
Judicial Watch Announces $4.975 Million Settlement
Judicial Watch, a group that has been heavily involved in this case, shared the news about the settlement. They stated that this agreement is a necessary step towards justice for Ashli Babbitt’s family. The organization’s president, Tom Fitton, made a strong statement, saying the settlement
Details of the Ashli Babbitt Lawsuit Settlement
So, the big news is that a settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family. It’s been a long road, and this brings a close to that chapter. The U.S. Government has agreed to pay $4,975,000.00 to settle the claims. This amount is meant to resolve all the legal disputes stemming from the events of January 6, 2021.
Terms of the Stipulation for Compromise Settlement
This whole thing was wrapped up with a document called a “Stipulation for Compromise Settlement and Release.” Basically, it’s the official paperwork saying everyone agrees to end the legal fight. It covers every single claim, known or unknown, that came up because of the incident. It’s important to note that this settlement isn’t an admission of guilt by the government. They’re not saying they did anything wrong. Instead, it’s a way to wrap up disputed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act and avoid the hassle and cost of a full trial. It’s a compromise, plain and simple.
Federal Government Agrees to Pay $4,975,000.00
As mentioned, the final number is $4,975,000.00. This payment is going to the plaintiffs, which includes Ashli Babbitt’s estate and her family. It’s a significant sum, and it’s intended to bring finality to the legal proceedings. This settlement is a big deal for the family, offering some form of resolution after years of legal back-and-forth. You can read more about the Ashli Babbitt case and the events that led to this point.
Claims Addressed in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit itself brought up a few different types of claims against the U.S. Government. These included:
- Wrongful Death: This is the main claim, arguing that Babbitt’s death was caused by the actions or inactions of government employees.
- Assault and Battery: Allegations related to the physical act of shooting.
- Negligence: Claims that law enforcement officers failed to act with reasonable care, leading to her death.
The lawsuit detailed the events, stating that Ashli Babbitt was shot by then-Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she was climbing through a broken door. The family’s legal team argued that Babbitt was unarmed and that Byrd shot her without properly assessing the situation. The settlement aims to resolve all these specific allegations.
Background of the Ashli Babbitt Case
Ashli Babbitt was an Air Force veteran, 35 years old at the time of her death, who lived near San Diego. She traveled to Washington D.C. with the intention of protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Her social media activity showed support for Donald Trump and engagement with QAnon theories. Her family stated she was passionate about her beliefs and standing up for causes she cared about, though they weren’t aware she planned to go to D.C. for the January 6th events.
Ashli Babbitt’s Life and Background
Ashli Babbitt was an Air Force veteran who had served for 14 years. Before her death, she was living in the San Diego area. She was known to be a supporter of President Donald Trump and had expressed views aligned with the QAnon conspiracy theory online. Her family described her as someone who was passionate about her beliefs and felt strongly about defending certain causes. They indicated she was not part of any organized group when she traveled to Washington D.C. and that her purpose was to exercise her freedoms.
Events of January 6, 2021
On January 6, 2021, a large crowd gathered in Washington D.C. to protest the certification of the Electoral College votes. This protest evolved into a riot, with many individuals breaching the U.S. Capitol building. The events inside the Capitol were chaotic, with lawmakers being evacuated from the House and Senate chambers. The situation led to a significant law enforcement response.
The Shooting Incident at the Capitol
During the events at the Capitol, Ashli Babbitt was among the individuals who entered the building. As rioters moved toward the Speaker’s Lobby, near the House chamber, she attempted to climb through a broken window in a door. U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd, who was positioned inside the Speaker’s Lobby, fired his weapon. Babbitt was struck by the gunfire and later died from her injuries. She was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Video footage captured the moments leading up to and immediately following the incident, showing her being carried away on a stretcher.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Allegations of Wrongful Death and Negligence
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Ashli Babbitt’s estate brought forth serious allegations against the U.S. Government, specifically focusing on claims of wrongful death, assault, battery, and various forms of negligence. The core of these claims centered on the actions and decisions made by U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd during the events of January 6, 2021. The family’s legal team argued that Babbitt’s death was a direct result of excessive and unjustified force. The complaint detailed that Lt. Byrd shot Babbitt as she was attempting to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby, asserting she was unarmed and posed no immediate threat. The legal team emphasized that Babbitt’s hands were visible and empty when she was shot, and that Lt. Byrd allegedly confessed to firing before assessing her intentions or even identifying her gender. This narrative painted a picture of an unjustified shooting, directly contradicting official accounts that sought to justify the use of deadly force in a chaotic situation.
Lawsuit Filed in San Diego, Transferred to D.C.
The legal battle began in San Diego, California, where Ashli Babbitt resided. The wrongful death lawsuit was initially filed there on January 5, 2024, against the U.S. Government. However, the case was later transferred to the District of Columbia. This move was met with objections from the plaintiffs. The case, officially titled Estate of Ashli Babbitt and Aaron Babbitt, et al. v. United States of America, was assigned the case number 1:24-cv-01701, having previously been 3:24-cv-00033. The transfer to D.C. meant the litigation would proceed in the federal court system closer to the site of the incident, a move that the family’s representatives felt was strategically significant. Judicial Watch played a key role in this legal effort, working to secure justice for Babbitt’s family.
Officer Michael Byrd’s Role and Actions
Central to the lawsuit’s allegations was the conduct of U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd. He was the officer who discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Ashli Babbitt. The lawsuit specifically accused Lt. Byrd of negligence and the improper use of force. According to the legal filings and witness accounts cited by the plaintiffs, Lt. Byrd was positioned inside the Speaker’s Lobby and fired at Babbitt as she was partially entering through a shattered glass panel in the door. The family’s legal team highlighted that Byrd was the incident commander for the House side of the Capitol on that day. They further alleged that Byrd admitted to shooting Babbitt without first seeing her hands, assessing her intentions, or confirming her identity. This account directly challenged the justification for the shooting, portraying it as a rash decision made under pressure. The lawsuit also pointed out that multiple witnesses at the scene reportedly exclaimed that the officers had just
Reactions to the Ashli Babbitt Lawsuit Settlement
The settlement in the Ashli Babbitt case has definitely stirred up a lot of different feelings and opinions. It’s not every day a case like this wraps up, and people are talking.
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton’s Statement
Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, which was involved in the lawsuit, had a lot to say. He called the settlement a
Officer Michael Byrd’s Status
No Criminal Charges Filed Against Lt. Byrd
Despite the tragic events of January 6, 2021, Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the U.S. Capitol Police officer who discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of Ashli Babbitt, has not faced any criminal charges. The Department of Justice conducted an investigation into the shooting. After reviewing the evidence, they concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Byrd violated any civil rights laws when he fired his weapon. This decision means that, from a criminal standpoint, Officer Byrd will not be prosecuted for his actions on that day.
Capitol Police Internal Investigation Findings
The U.S. Capitol Police also conducted its own internal review of the incident. This investigation reached a different conclusion than what some might have expected. According to the findings, the Capitol Police determined that Officer Byrd’s actions were justified and potentially saved lives. The internal report suggested that his actions were taken in self-defense or in defense of others present in the Capitol building. The department’s internal review found that Byrd’s actions were ‘potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury.’ This internal assessment did not result in any disciplinary action against Lieutenant Byrd.
Byrd’s Account of the Shooting
Lieutenant Michael Byrd eventually came forward to share his perspective on the events of January 6th. In an interview, he described the chaotic scene and his decision-making process. Byrd stated that he gave commands and warnings to those attempting to breach the Speaker’s Lobby, where he was positioned. He recounted that he perceived Ashli Babbitt as a threat as she attempted to climb through a broken window. He described the shooting as a ‘last resort’ and maintained that he took ‘appropriate action’ given the circumstances. He also mentioned that he had instructed lawmakers to try and blend in with staff to remain safe. His account emphasizes the perceived danger and the split-second decision he felt he had to make to protect himself and others.
Moving Forward
So, the Ashli Babbitt lawsuit has wrapped up with a $5 million settlement. It’s been a long road for her family, and this agreement brings a close to that chapter. While the legal battles are over, the events of January 6th and its aftermath continue to be talked about. This settlement is a significant amount, and it’s meant to settle all the claims related to her death. It’s a complex situation, and people will likely have different views on it for a long time to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ashli Babbitt lawsuit about?
The lawsuit was filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family against the U.S. government. They claimed she died wrongfully when she was shot by a Capitol Police officer on January 6, 2021. The family sought justice and compensation for her death.
How much was the settlement amount?
The U.S. government agreed to pay Ashli Babbitt’s family $4,975,000.00 to settle the wrongful death lawsuit. This amount was decided to avoid a longer court battle.
Who was Ashli Babbitt?
Ashli Babbitt was a 35-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran from San Diego. She was a supporter of President Donald Trump and traveled to Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, to protest the 2020 election results. She was the only person who died during the events of that day inside the Capitol building.
What were the main claims in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleged wrongful death, assault and battery, and negligence by the U.S. Capitol Police. The family argued that the officer who shot Ashli acted improperly and that she did not pose a threat.
What happened to the officer who shot Ashli Babbitt?
The officer who shot Ashli Babbitt was identified as Lieutenant Michael Byrd. He was not charged with any crimes, and an internal Capitol Police investigation found his actions were justified. He stated he fired as a last resort to protect himself and others.
What was the reaction to the settlement?
Reactions were mixed. Judicial Watch, which supported the family, called it a step toward justice. However, some, like Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, criticized the settlement, calling it a ‘slap in the face’ and suggesting it was politically motivated. The Capitol Police Chief also expressed disappointment.
