Aaron Babbitt, the husband of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government. The lawsuit, filed by Judicial Watch, a conservative legal activist group, alleges wrongful death, assault, and battery. It was lodged in a California federal court.
Ashli Babbitt, a supporter of former President Trump, was shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she attempted to climb through a barricaded door near the House chamber during the Capitol attack. The lawsuit claims that Lt. Byrd acted negligently in shooting Babbitt, describing it as an ambush. The attorneys assert that Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, traveled to Washington, D.C., solely to attend Trump’s rally and was not part of any group or involved in unlawful activities. They argue that she posed no threat to anyone’s safety.
The suit also accuses Lt. Byrd of violating standards related to the safe use of firearms, use of force, and assessment of imminent threats. It mentions that Byrd was not in uniform, did not identify himself as an officer, and did not issue any warnings or commands before shooting.
Lt. Byrd, in a post-incident interview, stated his belief that his actions saved lives and defended his decision, saying it was part of his duty to protect Congress members, fellow officers, and staff. He was later exonerated for his actions.
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