Settlement in Principle for Ashli Babbitt's Family Looms, Details Proven Elusive
Settlement Reached in Lawsuit over Police Shooting of Ashli Babbitt During Capitol Uprising
WASHINGTON - In a possible shift in the saga surrounding the fatal shooting of Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt during the Capitol riot, her family and the Trump administration have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement for a settlement [1][3]. However, the juicy details of this potential deal are being tightly guarded, with the terms of the settlement still shrouded in secrecy.
Babbitt, a 35-year-old from San Diego, met her untimely end when a Capitol Police officer opened fire on her as she tried to force her way through a barricaded door leading to the House chamber on January 6, 2021 [3][4]. The estate of the former servicewoman had filed a $30-million lawsuit against the officer, Lt. Michael Byrd, alleging charges of negligence [2][3].
Although the nature of the settlement remains under wraps, reports suggest that the lawsuit, which served as the basis for the litigation, will serve as a significant factor in determining the final compensation amount and conditions of the agreement [1][2]. The settlement is still in the works, with both parties set to finalize the wording and sign off on the document [1][2].
Byrd was cleared of any wrongdoing by both the U.S. attorney's office for the District of Columbia and the Capitol Police, who declared that the officer had acted in self-defense and to protect members of Congress [3]. Yet, the lawsuit contends that Byrd failed to de-escalate the situation and neglected to issue any warnings or commands before resorting to deadly force [2][3].
The suit also accuses the Capitol Police of lacking proper vetting procedures for their officers, claiming they "should have known" that Byrd was "prone to behave in a dangerous or otherwise incompetent manner" [2][3].
While the case threatens to shed light on the Capitol breach and its aftermath, it comes three months after former President Trump granted clemency to over 1,000 participants in the riot, possibly raising questions about accountability for the January 6 debacle [1][3].
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops and the finalized settlement becomes public knowledge.
Richer pens for the Associated Press.
Source 1: Settlement details for Ashli Babbitt’s family withheld as signed agreement nears [1]Source 2: Ashli Babbitt suit: Capitol Police officer cleared over death of rioter during Jan. 6 Capitol breach [2]Source 3: Babbitt family lawyers: Officer who shot rioter Ashli Babbitt should be charged with murder [3]Source 4: Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt was unarmed when shot by Capitol Police officer [4]
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- The family of Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old woman from San Diego, encountered a preliminary agreement for a settlement in their lawsuit against the officer who shot her in Los Angeles.
- The potential settlement regarding Babbitt's death during the Capitol riot could be significant, given that it stems from a $30-million lawsuit against the Capitol Police officer, Lt. Michael Byrd.
- Reports suggest that the lawsuit, charging negligence, will play a crucial role in determining the final compensation amount and conditions of the settlement between Babbitt's family and the Trump administration.
- While the Capitol Police have cleared Byrd of any wrongdoing, the lawsuit contends that he failed to de-escalate the situation and negligently used deadly force.
- The lawsuit also implicates the Capitol Police for their alleged failure to implement proper vetting procedures for their officers.
- Accountability for the Capitol breach and its aftermath, including Babbitt's death, may come under scrutiny, as questions rise following former President Trump's clemency to over 1,000 riot participants.
