Family of slain January 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt receives million settlement from federal government.

In a significant legal development, the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, is poised to receive a settlement payment of million from the federal government. This resolution pertains to a wrongful death suit that originally sought million in damages, which accused the Capitol Police of wrongdoing in the circumstances surrounding Babbitt’s death.

The settlement was reached following negotiations between the Justice Department and Babbitt’s legal representatives. Officials from both sides have confirmed that an agreement in principle was established; however, the formal details and final documentation are still in the process of being finalized. The million figure was first reported by a national news outlet on Monday.

The decision to pursue this settlement marks a stark contrast to the events of January 6, when Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was shot while attempting to breach a secured area of the Capitol amid widespread violence instigated by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The riot was an apparent effort to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Capitol Police Officer Lt. Michael Byrd, who discharged the weapon that fatally struck Babbitt, was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by federal prosecutors, who concluded that he acted in self-defense. Investigations into the incident revealed that Byrd’s actions were deemed necessary to safeguard lawmakers who were sheltering within the chamber. Babbitt was not armed during the confrontation, and investigations found that Byrd had acted to protect those in the Capitol building during the chaos.

The settlement has drawn criticism from Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger, who expressed his profound disappointment regarding the decision. Manger stated that the settlement could set a concerning precedent for law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting public officials.

Babbitt’s legal representatives have maintained that she was unjustly victimized during the incident, arguing that she posed no threat at the time she was shot. In the aftermath of her death, Babbitt has been commemorated by some as a martyr for the political cause she represented, receiving praise from former President Trump, who has characterized her actions with sympathy.

The implications of this settlement extend beyond the individual case, raising questions about accountability and the role of law enforcement during civil unrest. The financial award highlights the ongoing legal and social ramifications stemming from the Capitol riots and their indelible impact on American political discourse and law enforcement practices.

This settlement signifies a pivotal moment in the complex narrative surrounding the January 6 insurrection, reflecting ongoing tensions in discussions about justice, law enforcement, and public safety in the United States.