Ashli Babbitt Capitol Riot Lawsuit Ends in $5 Million Settlement

U.S. Agrees to Pay Almost $5 Million to Ashli Babbitt’s Family After Capitol Shooting

So, the government is about to hand over nearly five million bucks to the family of Ashli Babbitt. You know, the woman who got shot during that wild January 6th riot at the Capitol. Her family had originally asked for thirty million, but they settled for this amount instead. It’s a pretty big deal, considering how heated and messy everything around that day still is.

Ashli was 35, an Air Force vet from San Diego. That day, she was trying to push past a blocked-off area near the House floor when a Capitol cop shot her. After looking into it, the officials said the cop was just doing his job, protecting Congress members and himself. But Ashli’s family didn’t buy that. They say the cop used way too much force and didn’t even warn her before pulling the trigger. They also claim the police dropped the ball big time.

The settlement isn’t final yet, but about a third of that money will go straight to her lawyers  including some conservative groups. People are divided on this one. Some think it’s about time for some closure. Others feel like it’s stirring up more trouble and could mess with how cases like this get handled going forward.

It just goes to show how split the country still is about everything that went down on January 6th. Nothing’s clear cut here.

• Primary News Sources:

  • The Washington Post: Reports that the U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a supporter of former President Donald Trump who was fatally shot by police while attempting to breach the House Speaker’s lobby during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The Washington Post+1The Guardian+1

  • ABC News: Confirms the settlement amount and provides details on the lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s family, alleging negligence on the part of the Capitol Police officer who shot her. ABC News

  • AP News: Offers insights into the legal proceedings and the Department of Justice's involvement in the settlement. YahooNew York Post+1ABC7 Los Angeles+1

  • The Guardian: Discusses the political reactions to the settlement and its implications.

  • CBS News: Provides perspectives from Capitol Police officials regarding the settlement.