WASHINGTON — A federal jury awarded $500,000 to Erin Smith, the widow of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, who took his own life shortly after confronting rioters during the January 6 Capitol insurrection. This verdict, reached on Monday, includes significant punitive and compensatory damages against 69-year-old chiropractor David Walls-Kaufman, who was involved in a physical encounter with officer Smith during the violent unrest.
The jury’s decision included $380,000 in punitive damages and $60,000 in compensatory damages directed to Erin Smith for the assault on her husband. An additional $60,000 was awarded to Jeffrey Smith’s estate for his suffering. The jury’s findings came after U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes dismissed Erin Smith’s wrongful-death claim against Walls-Kaufman, noting that no reasonable juror could determine that the chiropractor’s actions could lead to a traumatic brain injury that caused Smith’s death.
During the incident on January 6, Walls-Kaufman denied assaulting Smith, asserting that any injuries the officer sustained were from a later event when another rioter struck him with a pole. However, the jury found Walls-Kaufman liable, referencing footage from the officer’s body camera to evaluate the assault.
David P. Weber, one of Erin Smith’s attorneys, expressed gratitude for the jury’s verdict, highlighting it as a measure of justice for the Smith family. Conversely, Walls-Kaufman described the outcome as “absolutely ridiculous,” insisting that he never struck the officer nor intended to.
Following the jury’s deliberations, Judge Reyes advised both parties to consider a potential settlement to sidestep the time-consuming and costly appeal process. She urged them to focus on moving forward in their respective lives.
Walls-Kaufman’s attorney, Hughie Hunt, remarked on the jury’s decision, labeling it “shocking,” and argued that the encounter lasted mere seconds. The judge countered that significant harm can occur in a short time frame, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Officer Jeffrey Smith tragically took his life with his service weapon, just days after the riot. His family stated he had no prior mental health issues. Erin Smith contends that her husband suffered a concussion and lasting psychological distress from the encounter with Walls-Kaufman, contributing to his subsequent suicide. The police department cleared him for duty shortly before his death, and in 2022, a board determined that his injuries were incurred while on duty and were directly responsible for his death.
Walls-Kaufman had previously received a 60-day prison sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor related to the Capitol events in January 2023 but was later pardoned. This occurred shortly after President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, when he pardoned or commuted sentences for nearly 1,600 individuals arrested during the insurrection.
The Capitol riot resulted in injuries to over 100 law enforcement officers, including the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed after confronting rioters. A medical examiner concluded that he died of natural causes. Another Capitol officer, Howard Liebengood, also died by suicide following the events of that day.
Erin Smith continues to seek recognition for her husband, having applied to add his name as a line-of-duty death to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Her attorney indicated that they are awaiting a decision regarding this solemn request.
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