Topline
The Capitol Police announced Monday that the officer who shot and murdered Ashli Babbitt, Capitol rioter, during the Jan. 6 attack, will not be subject to internal punishment. A probe determined that the action was taken in defense members of Congress. This is a blow for Republican lawmakers who have criticized Babbitt's killing as unfair.
WASHINGTON DC - JAN 06: Pro-Trump protestors gather in front the U.S. Capitol Building.... [+] January 6, 2021, Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters stormed Washington's Capitol Building, smashing windows and clashing with officers. Trump supporters gathered today in Washington to protest President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College over President Trump in 2020. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
According to a statement, the Capitol Police interviewed several witnesses and reviewed all evidence in an internal investigation into the shooting. The officer was not subject to internal discipline. According to a statement, the investigation found that the officer's actions were legal and in line with Department policy. These findings are counter to the praise Babbitt received by prominent Republicans such as former President Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R.Ga.) and Reps. Paul Gosar(R.Ariz.). They cited her military service and said she wasn't armed when she was taken to portray her as patriotic. The Capitol Police, however, praised the officers' actions in their statement and argued that he could have saved members and staff from serious injuries.
Important Background
A Department of Justice investigation in April cleared the officer. It determined that the officer believed the shooting was necessary...in self-defense or to defend the Members of Congress. In July, Greene stated that she would have been friends and family with Babbitt.
Tangent
According to the statement, the Capitol Police statement did not identify the officer due to safety concerns. It stated that credible threats had been made against him. Republicans demanded that the officers be unmasked. Trump claimed in July that the officer was on the top security detail for Democratic lawmakers. This is something the Capitol Police deny.
What to Watch
Babbitts family filed a civil lawsuit to reveal the identity of the officer, but that is still a hurdle for the officer. According to reports, the family plans to sue the officer for $10 million in damages in an additional wrongful-death lawsuit.
