A Deadly Day's Aftermath: The Ashli Babbitt Settlement

Ashli Babbitt's name became known after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. She was a Trump supporter who lost her life that day. Her family has now reached a settlement with the Trump administration. The deal is not yet signed, but it's agreed upon. This settlement stops a big lawsuit that was asking for $30 million. The lawsuit was brought by a conservative group called Judicial Watch. They were acting for Babbitt's estate, which includes her late husband. Babbitt's death became a big deal for Trump's supporters. They argued that the police used too much force. The lawsuit said that the officer who shot her, Lt. Michael Byrd, was not in uniform and was wearing a COVID mask. They also said he did not try to calm the situation. The lawsuit claimed Babbitt was unarmed and had her hands up. It said she was no threat to anyone. The case started in California but moved to a federal court in Washington, D. C. The Justice Department, under the Biden administration, defended the case. They said Babbitt broke into the Capitol and tried to climb through a window. Lt. Byrd shot her as she tried to enter the Speaker's Lobby. The Capitol Police said Byrd's actions saved lives and were not wrong. Babbitt's mother, Micki Wittehoff, led protests for over two years. She fought for the rights of those arrested for the Capitol riot. Her efforts got her meetings with important people, including the then-House Speaker and the President. After taking office, the new president pardoned over 1, 500 Capitol riot defendants. The Justice Department also fired some prosecutors who worked on the January 6 cases. One former prosecutor said these actions were to change the story of what happened on January 6. The January 6 riot was a dark day in U. S. history. It showed the deep divisions in the country. The settlement with Babbitt's family is one more chapter in this story. It raises questions about accountability and the rule of law. The events of that day will likely be debated for years to come. The settlement is a reminder of the lasting impact of that day. It also shows how complex and divisive the issues surrounding it remain.