Trump Administration Pays $5 Million to Family of Woman Shot at US Capitol Riot

Settlement in Ashley Babbitt Case

• 🎯 The Justice Department has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the family of Ashley Babbitt, who was shot and killed during the January 6th insurrection.
• ⚡ The settlement marks a turnaround, as Officer Michael Bird, who fired the fatal shot, was initially cleared of wrongdoing.

Circumstances of the Shooting

• ⚠️ Ashley Babbitt was shot by Officer Michael Bird as she attempted to climb through a broken window into the House chamber.
• 🗣️ Officer Bird stated he had warned Babbitt before firing, and an investigation by Capital Police suggested his actions may have prevented further harm to members of Congress.

Political Ramifications and Reactions

• 📣 Babbitt's death has become a rallying cry for Trump supporters and rioters.
• 📢 Donald Trump himself criticized Officer Michael Bird shortly after the shooting and later issued pardons to over 1,500 rioters.
• 🏛️ Democrats have criticized the settlement, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to whitewash the truth about the January 6th events.
• 🗣️ Trump has consistently downplayed the violence of the insurrection, referring to the day as "a beautiful day."