In a bittersweet court ruling, a federal judge dismissed the wrongful death claim brought by the widow of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide after defending the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot.
However, the court found rioter David Walls-Kaufman liable for assaulting Smith during the Capitol attack, potentially opening the door for financial compensation for Smith’s widow, Emily Smith.
The Case and Trial Details
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the jury could not conclusively determine whether Walls-Kaufman’s actions directly caused Jeffrey Smith’s suicide, despite the emotional testimony provided by Smith’s widow.
The decision to dismiss the wrongful death claim was based on the judge’s belief that jurors were not capable of linking the trauma caused by the assault to Smith’s tragic decision to take his own life.
In contrast, the jury found David Walls-Kaufman liable for the assault on Officer Smith, who was struck in the face with a metal tactical cane during the violent insurrection at the Capitol. This verdict could lead to monetary damages for Emily Smith, though further proceedings on damages are scheduled to take place.
Assault During the Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot, Walls-Kaufman, a chiropractor from Washington, D.C., was among the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol building. According to Emily Smith’s lawsuit, Walls-Kaufman attacked her husband with a metal cane that was allegedly handed to him by another rioter, Taylor Taranto.
The lawsuit claims that the assault left Officer Smith with a brain injury, contributing to his later suffering from severe depression, which ultimately led to his suicide just nine days after the incident.
Emily Smith described her husband’s vulnerability during the attack, noting that his face shield was up at the time, leaving him exposed. The lawsuit claims that Walls-Kaufman “specifically and maliciously” targeted Smith during the riot.
Emotional Testimony from the Widow
During the trial, Emily Smith emotionally recounted the traumatic events surrounding her husband’s death. She testified about the moments she spent with her husband before he went to work, and the devastation she felt when she was told that he had taken his own life with his service weapon.
“You just don’t know what to do,” she said, describing the moment as the “most traumatic words I’ve ever heard.”
The emotional testimony from Emily Smith, as well as the evidence of the assault, contributed to the jury’s decision to find Walls-Kaufman liable for the attack on Smith.
The Legal Outcome and Settlement
Although the wrongful death claim was dismissed, the finding of liability for assault opens the possibility of Emily Smith receiving compensation for the attack on her husband. Walls-Kaufman, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to charges related to the Capitol riot, was sentenced to two months in prison. However, he was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
Emily Smith’s legal team emphasized that while the settlement and legal victory could never undo the loss of her husband, they hoped that it would lead to meaningful reforms and provide justice for their family. The family’s attorney, Richard Link, noted that the ruling could help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Moving Forward
The lawsuit and its outcome serve as a reminder of the emotional and legal ramifications of the January 6th insurrection, particularly for the law enforcement officers who were on the front lines.
While the legal battle over Officer Smith’s death continues, the family is hopeful that this case will lead to changes in how law enforcement officers are supported following such traumatic events.
