Monday's statement by the Capitol Police stated that it cleared Ashli Babbitt's officer of any wrongdoing. It also announced that an internal investigation had found the officer's conduct to be "lawful", and that discipline would not be taken.
In a statement, the department stated that its Office of Professional Responsibility had determined that the officer's actions were legal and in line with Department policy. Officers can use deadly force only if they reasonably believe that it is necessary to defend human life, including their own, or to protect any person in immediate danger from serious injury. Because of "numerous credible threats and specific threats" to the individual as well as relatives, the Capitol Police refused to identify the officer.
Babbitt's death by shooting has been a rallying cry of conservatives who have downplayed and promoted misleading portrayals about the Capitol attack. This attack was the most severe on the building since the War of 1812. Babbitt was part of a mob that tried to enter the Speaker's Lobby outside of the House chamber. She was then fatally shot by a Capitol Police Officer.
