Washington, D.C. – The husband of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot and killed by an officer during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, has filed a $30 million lawsuit against the U.S. government. Aaron Babbitt accuses the government of ‘wrongful death, assault and battery, and various negligence issues.’ The lawsuit claims that Ashli Babbitt was unarmed and had no unlawful intentions when she was shot by then-Lieutenant Michael Byrd of the U.S. Capitol Police inside the Capitol building. Ashli Babbitt’s death was ruled a homicide by the examiner at Washington Hospital Center.
Attorneys from the conservative legal activist group Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit on behalf of Aaron Babbitt and his estate in California federal court. The couple, originally from San Diego, had traveled to Washington for the rally on January 6. The lawsuit alleges that Lieutenant Byrd breached multiple standards of care in his use of a firearm and in assessing the situation, among other allegations. It also claims that Ashli Babbitt’s hands were empty and visible when she was shot in the Speaker’s lobby.
According to Air Force records, Ashli Babbitt served multiple Middle East tours from 2004 to 2016. She was known for supporting former President Donald Trump and promoting conservative activists and leaders associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory movement. On the day of the riot, she had peacefully walked to the Capitol before entering the building. Byrd shot her on sight without seeing her hands or identifying her as female, according to court documents.
Byrd was exonerated in August 2021 after an internal investigation. The lawsuit seeks justice for Ashli Babbitt’s death and alleges that Byrd failed to follow appropriate protocols in the use of force and providing medical aid. A court date for the lawsuit has yet to be scheduled.
In summary, Aaron Babbitt, the husband of late Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, is suing the U.S. government for $30 million, claiming wrongful death and negligence. Babbitt was fatally shot by then-Lieutenant Michael Byrd during the January 6 Capitol riot. The lawsuit alleges that Byrd breached standards of care and shot Babbitt when she was unarmed and posed no immediate threat. Babbitt’s death was ruled a homicide, and Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing in an internal investigation.