U.S. Nears Settlement With Babbitt Family

A settlement in principle has been reached between the U.S. government and the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police while attempting to breach the Speaker's Lobby during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The $30 million wrongful death lawsuit alleged unnecessary and negligent force by Lt. Michael Byrd, though internal investigations by the Justice Department and Capitol Police found Byrd acted appropriately and may have saved lives. The settlement amount remains undisclosed, and the agreement has not yet been finalized or signed. Babbitt's death has become a rallying cause for Trump supporters, intensifying the political controversy surrounding the case. Legal proceedings have also involved disputes between attorneys representing Babbitt’s estate, with one former lawyer seeking a share of the settlement. The Justice Department shifted its legal position after President Trump returned to office, opting to settle the case rather than go to trial.