ToplineOn Wednesday, former President Donald Trump praised Capitol rioter Ashlibabbitt. She was shot and killed trying to break into the House chamber Jan. 6. This is the latest in a series by the ex-president who downplayed the attack.PHOENIX (ARIZONA) - JULY 24, 2018: Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Rally To Protect... [+] Our Elections conference in Phoenix, Arizona on July 24, 2021. Turning Point Action, a Phoenix-based political group, hosted Donald Trump and GOP Arizona candidates. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images). Getty ImagesThe Key FactsIn a statement, Trump stated that Babbitt loved America and was being shot by an unknown law enforcement officer. This window leads to the chamber where legislators took refuge during the deadly riots. Trump did not mention Babbitt's actions at the time of her shooting, but claimed that she had been murdered. This despite the fact that the Department of Justice in April determined that the officer was acting in self-defense. Babbitt believed in pro-Trump conspiracy theories. These included the far-right QAnon conspiracy and Trump's absurd claims that the 2020 election had been stolen by widespread voter fraud. Right-wing House Republicans have also praised Babbitt: Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., has claimed that she was executed in coldblood while being wrapped in a U.S. Flag. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said last month that they would have been good friends. Trump has been making more references to Babbitt over the past months. He demanded that the identity of the shooter be made publicly. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) claimed Babbitt was executed in cold blood while wrapped in a U.S. flag, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said last month they would have been friends.Important BackgroundA group of House Republicans is becoming more supportive of Capitol Riot defendants. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz and Louie Gohmert tried unsuccessfully to visit them last month at a D.C. Department of Corrections Facility.Important QuoteThe investigation did not reveal any evidence that the officer shot Ms. Babbitt one time.
