The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, reached a confidential preliminary settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6 Capitol riot.
The $30 million lawsuit, brought by Judicial Watch on behalf of Babbitt’s estate, claimed she was unarmed and posed no threat.
The DOJ had previously cleared Byrd of wrongdoing, stating Babbitt ignored warnings as she attempted to enter the Speaker’s Lobby. Byrd, who had a record of past disciplinary issues, shot Babbitt through a broken window. A federal judge recently allowed four claims—wrongful death, negligence, assault, and battery—to proceed. The family, supported by Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, expressed optimism. Babbitt, a U.S. Air Force veteran, had traveled to D.C. for Trump’s rally and was not affiliated with any protest group. The trial may be moved to San Diego, where her husband resides.
