US Govt Pays $5m to Mournful Family
The settlement marks a significant development in the case, with the US government acknowledging the family's loss and providing compensation. The incident has raised important questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers and the need for accountability and transparency in such cases.
The US government has agreed to pay a $5m settlement to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a US Air Force veteran who was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer during the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. Babbitt was part of a group that breached the US Congress and attempted to halt the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. The settlement resolves a $30m wrongful death suit filed by Babbitt's family and the conservative activist group Judicial Watch.
The incident occurred when Babbitt attempted to climb through a door and was shot in the shoulder by the officer, later dying in hospital. The officer involved, Michael Byrd, was previously cleared of any wrongdoing by a Capitol Police review and a justice department review. The Capitol Police Chief, Tom Manger, expressed disappointment with the decision, saying it sends a "chilling message" to law enforcement officers.
The settlement has brought an end to the $30m wrongful death suit, but it has also raised concerns among law enforcement officials. The incident has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the use of force by the officer. The US government's decision to pay the settlement has been seen as a move to resolve the matter and avoid further litigation.
The settlement has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a necessary step to bring closure to the family, while others have expressed concerns about the implications for law enforcement officers. The incident has highlighted the need for a thorough review of the use of force by law enforcement officers and the importance of ensuring that their actions are proportionate to the threat posed.