Trump Administration agrees to $5 million settlement in Ashli Babbitt wrongful death lawsuit
The landmark settlement in the Ashli Babbitt case marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, shedding light on the ongoing political divisions and legal battles that continue to shape America’s response to one of its most turbulent days.
The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by Capitol Police during the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021. The settlement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Babbitt’s estate in early 2024, which originally sought $30 million in damages. The settlement is a departure from the Justice Department’s earlier position, and it avoids a trial scheduled for July 2026. It is expected that around a third of the settlement amount will go to Babbitt’s legal team: which consists of attorney Richard Driscoll and the conservative group Judicial Watch.
Babbitt was 35 years old, an Air Force veteran, and had been a supporter of President Donald Trump before she was shot by Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd as she attempted to breach the House Speaker's lobby. The Justice Department investigated the shooting and determined that Byrd’s use of force was justified and in accordance with department policies. The shooting incident was deemed to have possibly spared serious injury or death to members of Congress and their staff.
Settlement highlights January 6 fallout, Ashli Babbitt’s role, and Trump’s 2025 pardons
The settlement comes after a years-long political and legal up-heaval resulting from 6 January events. The death of Ashli Babbitt became an important rallying point for supporters of the Capitol insurrection, with many believing that she had become a martyr for them. Donald Trump has consistently condemned the events of that day and both he and his supporters have sought to position Ashli as a flagbearer of the movement. He has spoken about her on various occasions including at a rally in 2021. He even called for wider compensation on behalf of individuals who participated in the January 6 insurrection.
The settlement is also indicative of the political and legal fallout from the Capitol insurrection. In January 2025, Trump granted approximately 1,500 pardons and 14 commutations to individuals arrested in relation to the January 6 attack. These pardons and commutations were integral to his efforts to clean-up the disaster of January 6 for his followers. The general nomenclature surrounding these pardons and commutations have had their own share of support and dissent demonstrating how pre-existing splits remain across the country as a result of that day's events.
Settlement sparks debate over justice and accountability in January 6 Capitol riot case
The settlement has received mixed responses. Proponents of the settlement have argued that it allows for closure by Babbitt's family and recognizes the complex series of events surrounding the Capitol riot, while opponents of the settlement argue that it may lend legitimacy to the actions of those involved in it being an insurrection. The case continues to highlight the struggles over justice, accountability, and political violence.
As of now, the settlement agreement has not formally been signed and both parties are to update the court by May 22, 2025. The settlement of this case could impact future cases related to the Capitol riot and to the wider political environment. It reflects the ongoing legal and societal ramifications of the January 6 events, and the impact they've had on American politics and justice going forward.
