by The Trump administration has agreed to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the pro-Trump rioter fatally shot during the January 6 Capitol attack.
The settlement, pending court approval, amounts to nearly $5 million, ending a $30 million claim brought against the government.
What Happened
Ashli Babbitt was shot by a U.S. Capitol Police officer as she attempted to climb through a broken window leading to the Speaker’s Lobby outside the House chamber during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.
The officer involved was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in the shooting.
Key Details
- The $5 million settlement will conclude the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s family.
- Prosecutors confirmed a settlement agreement in a May 2025 hearing, though full details were not disclosed at that time.
- The settlement amount was first reported by The Washington Post.
- In April 2021, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia found no federal laws were broken by the officer.
- The Justice Department stated no evidence existed that the officer willfully used unlawful force.
- The officer was believed to have acted in self-defense and to protect Members of Congress evacuating the House chamber.
Reactions and Statements
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed strong disapproval of the settlement. He said:
“I am extremely disappointed and disagree with this settlement. In 2021, the DOJ investigation determined no wrongdoing by police. This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours.”
Investigation and What’s Next
- The criminal investigation concluded that the officer’s use of force was justified.
- Civil lawsuits, however, apply different legal standards than criminal cases.
- The settlement resolves the civil lawsuit but does not imply any admission of wrongdoing by the officer or the government.
- Court approval of the settlement is still pending.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Ashli Babbitt?
A1: Ashli Babbitt was a participant in the January 6 Capitol riot and was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the attack.
Q2: Why was Ashli Babbitt shot?
A2: She was shot while attempting to enter a restricted area near the House chamber through a broken window during the Capitol breach.
Q3: Was the officer charged?
A3: No. The officer was cleared of criminal wrongdoing after investigations concluded the use of force was justified.
Q4: What is the significance of the $5 million settlement?
A4: The settlement ends a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s family, resolving the civil claim without criminal liability.
Q5: What impact does the settlement have on law enforcement?
A5: Capitol Police leadership expressed concern the settlement could send a negative message to officers tasked with protecting public officials.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The Trump administration’s $5 million settlement in the Ashli Babbitt wrongful death lawsuit marks a significant conclusion to a high-profile legal battle stemming from the January 6 Capitol riot.
While criminal investigations cleared the officer involved, the civil case reflects a different legal context. The settlement remains controversial, drawing criticism from law enforcement leaders concerned about its implications.
