Ashli Babbitt’s family has launched a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that she was unjustly killed during the Capitol riots in 2021.
A $30 Million Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in California, argues that Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was not a threat when she was shot trying to enter the speaker’s lobby amidst the chaos incited by supporters of then-President Trump.
Clearing the Capitol Police Officer
The Capitol Police officer, Lt. Michael Byrd, who fired the fatal shot while evacuating Congress members, was later cleared by an internal probe, finding his actions lawful and potentially life-saving.
Ambush Allegation
Filed by Judicial Watch on behalf of Ashli Babbitt’s husband, Aaron Babbitt, and her estate, the lawsuit alleges that she was “ambushed” by Lt. Byrd. According to the claim, Babbitt was “unarmed” with her hands visibly raised when shot.
Shooting Without Warnings?
The suit accuses wrongful death, assault and battery, and various negligence issues, arguing that Lt. Byrd was out of uniform and without identifying himself or issuing “any warnings or commands before shooting her dead.”
Ashli Babbitt “loved her country”
The lawsuit details that Babbitt, hailing from San Diego, traveled solo to Washington, D.C., driven by her love for the country and support for President Trump. “She was there to exercise what she believed were her God-given, American liberties and freedoms,” the suit goes on.
“I tried to wait as long as I could”
Lt. Byrd explained his decision to use lethal force as a last resort, taken as a mob shattered a door’s window and attempted entry. He later justified to NBC News that the non-compliance of the mob necessitated taking “the appropriate action to save the lives of members of Congress and myself and my fellow officers.”
Protest for Execution
Micki Witthoeft, Babbitt’s mother, has been actively protesting in Washington, D.C., and voicing demands like the execution of Lt. Byrd and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Despite two arrests linked to her protests, charges were not pursued.
Mother Arrested
Last May, she was arrested for simple assault and property damage after an altercation with a counterprotester in D.C. Additionally, WUSA reported her arrest four months earlier for purportedly ignoring police orders and blocking roads on the second anniversary of Jan. 6.
Lt. Byrd’s First Public Statement
In his first public statement about the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, Lt. Michael Byrd said he acted to protect lawmakers. He defended himself by stating, “I saved countless lives.”
He added that Babbitt “was posing a threat to the United States House of Representatives.”
Trump Calls for Prosecution
Trump said that Babbitt “was murdered at the hands of someone who should have never pulled the trigger of his gun” and demanded prosecution for her shooter. “We know who he is. If this happened to the ‘other side,’ there would be riots all over America, and yet there are far more people represented by Ashli, who truly loved America, than there are on the other side.”
The former president further added, “The Radical Left haters cannot be allowed to get away with this. There must be justice!”
Trump’s Speculation on Capitol Shooter
During a phone interview with Fox News on July 11, 2021, Trump described Ashli Babbitt as a “wonderful woman, young woman, who went to peaceful protest” and speculated that the shooter was “the head of security for a certain high official, a Democrat.”
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