Trump administration agrees to pay Ashli Babbitt's family $5 million
Share and Follow

The Justice Department has agreed in principle to pay $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force veteran who was shot dead during the Capitol Riot on Jan. 6, 2021, Fox News has learned.

Babbitt’s estate, through her husband Aaron, filed a $30 million lawsuit last year over her fatal shooting when she attempted to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speaker’s Lobby inside the Capitol.

Attorneys for both the Justice Department and Babbitt’s estate said during a court hearing on Friday that they had reached an agreement in principle to resolve the case, according to reports.

Michelle "Micki" Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt

Michelle “Micki” Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt attends a House January 6th field hearing held by Rep. Matt Gaetz in the U.S. Capitol on June 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. Babbitt was shot and killed after entering the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot.  (Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)

Babbitt was one of hundreds of President Donald Trump’s supporters who entered or attempted to breach the U.S. Capitol during the riot after Congress voted to certify President Joe Biden’s election win. 

Video clips posted online depict Babbitt, wearing a stars and stripes backpack and a Trump flag draped around her neck, stepping up and beginning to go through the waist-high opening of an area of the Capitol known as the Speaker’s Lobby when a gunshot is heard. She could be seen falling backward. 

Babbitt Ashley

Ashli Babbitt was shot dead during the Jan. 6 riot inside the Capitol. 

Another video showed other unidentified people attempting to lift Babbitt up. She could be seen slumping back to the ground.

Babbitt was rushed to Washington Hospital Center, but could not be saved.

The Capitol Police officer who shot her was cleared of wrongdoing by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, which concluded that he acted in self-defense and in defense of members of Congress. The Capitol Police also cleared the officer.

Michelle "Micki" Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt

Micki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt, stands next to a photo of her daughter in front of the D.C. Central Detention Facility on Jan. 6, 2022. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Washington Post via Getty Images)

United States Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger sent a message to his department’s officers earlier this month after hearing of the proposed settlement, writing that he was “extremely disappointed.”

“In 2021, the DOJ said that there was no evidence to show that law enforcement broke the law. After a thorough investigation, it was determined to be a justified shooting,” Manger wrote, according to the Washington Post. “This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation — especially those who have a protective mission like ours.”

Fox News’ David Spunt, Danielle Wallace, the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
FILE - Jeffrey R. Holland, member of the quorum of the twelve apostles, speaks during a news conference at the Conference Center, in Salt Lake City, Jan. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File )

Jeffrey R. Holland’s Passing: The Future of LDS Church Leadership in Question

Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent leader within the Church of Jesus Christ…
The day Carolyn Bessette humiliated herself at Mar-a-Lago

Unveiled: Carolyn Bessette’s Unforgettable Mar-a-Lago Moment Captures Public Attention

John F. Kennedy Jr. expressed a deep desire to start a family,…
Neighborhood fights back against developers building new apartments

Local Community Rallies Against Developers: The Battle to Preserve Neighborhood Charm

In Houston, a Mexican-American community is expressing deep frustration as developers propose…
Pete Davidson's love Elsie Hewitt poses in adult diaper after birth

Elsie Hewitt Embraces Motherhood: Poses in Adult Diaper Post-Birth, Capturing Hearts

Elsie Hewitt, Pete Davidson’s girlfriend, is providing her followers with a candid…
Selena Gomez steps out after first Christmas with Benny Blanco

Selena Gomez Enjoys Outing Following Her First Christmas Celebration with Benny Blanco

After enjoying her first Christmas with husband Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez indulged…
gif student swipes TPUSA table steals signs

Unyielding TPUSA Leader Stands Firm Amid Harassment & Hostility After Kirk’s Tragic Death

In the heart of Phoenix, a fierce determination is shining through the…
Chicago nonprofit Concrete Rose 773 hosts girls flag football camp at Pullman Community Center

Chicago’s Concrete Rose 773 Kicks Off Girls Flag Football Camp at Pullman Community Center

In a vibrant corner of Chicago, a unique initiative is taking shape,…
Miles Teller surprises wife Keleigh with recreated wedding dress after wildfire loss

Miles Teller’s Heartwarming Gesture: Recreates Wife Keleigh’s Wedding Dress After Wildfire Tragedy

LOS ANGELES — The devastating wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades in…