A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Capitol riot participant Ashli Babbitt has reached a significant development in Washington, DC.

According to the New York Post, the Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family, who originally sought $30 million in damages for her death during the January 6 Capitol riot.

The settlement comes after prolonged legal battles and protests by Babbitt's supporters, including her mother, Micki Witthoeft, who conducted nightly demonstrations in Washington, DC, for two years. The Justice Department's decision on Monday formalized the agreement to pay the settlement to Babbitt's estate.

Capitol Police Chief Expresses Strong Opposition

US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger has publicly voiced his disagreement with the settlement decision. In his address to the department, Manger emphasized the violence that occurred during the riot, noting that more than 140 officers were assaulted during the chaotic events.

"I told them I was extremely disappointed, and I disagreed with the Department of Justice's decision to settle this lawsuit," Manger stated to his department. He further highlighted that a 2021 DOJ investigation had found no evidence of law enforcement wrongdoing.

The police chief expressed concern about the broader implications of this settlement for law enforcement officers across the nation, particularly those with protective duties similar to the Capitol Police.

Details of the Fatal Incident

The incident occurred as hundreds of Trump supporters attempted to breach the Speaker's Lobby while members of Congress were being evacuated. Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was shot by US Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd when she tried to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door.

Babbitt's family alleged in their lawsuit that she posed no threat and accused Byrd of failing to de-escalate the situation. However, an internal investigation by the US Capitol Police cleared Byrd of any wrongdoing, determining that he acted in self-defense and in the protection of Congress members.

Mark Schamel, Byrd's attorney, defended his client's actions, stating that the officer followed proper protocols to protect elected officials under his charge.

Trump Administration's Broader Response

President Trump's administration has taken several significant actions regarding January 6 cases since his inauguration. These measures include issuing a blanket pardon for more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants and removing prosecutors who handled the January 6 cases.

The administration has also pushed for identifying FBI agents involved in riot investigations and removing evidence and public statements about the cases from Justice Department websites. Trump has consistently referred to Babbitt as a hero and advocated for leniency toward January 6 participants.

Key Points of the Settlement

The final settlement amount represents a significant reduction from the family's initial $30 million claim. The agreement comes amid ongoing debate about the events of January 6 and their interpretation, with conflicting views between law enforcement officials and the current administration.

The Justice Department's decision to settle the case marks a dramatic shift from its previous position in 2021 when it concluded that the shooting was justified. This reversal has sparked heated discussions about accountability and justice in relation to the Capitol riot.

Resolution and Aftermath

The $5 million settlement with Ashli Babbitt's family represents a significant development in the ongoing narrative surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. The agreement, reached under the Trump administration, has generated controversy among law enforcement officials and sparked debate about its implications for future security protocols.

The case highlights the complex intersection of law enforcement accountability, political tensions, and justice system responses to the events of January 6. This settlement could potentially influence similar cases and shape future policies regarding the use of force in protecting government institutions.