Washington, D.C. — The U.S. government has reached a financial settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who was fatally shot during the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol. According to officials, the civil agreement resolves claims brought by Babbitt’s family over the use of force by a U.S. Capitol Police officer during the chaos that unfolded that day.
The Justice Department, which previously declined to pursue criminal charges against Lt. Michael Byrd — the officer who discharged his weapon — emphasized that the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability. Rather, it represents a resolution aimed at avoiding prolonged litigation and legal costs.
“The parties have agreed to a resolution that reflects the unique and tragic circumstances of this case,” a DOJ spokesperson said Friday. “This settlement serves the interests of both sides without the need for further legal proceedings.”
Ashli Babbitt, 35, was among a group attempting to force entry into the Speaker’s Lobby just outside the House chamber. As rioters tried to breach the barricaded doors, Babbitt attempted to climb through a broken window when she was shot once in the shoulder and later pronounced dead.
The officer involved, Lt. Byrd, stated that he discharged his weapon in defense of Members of Congress and staff who were sheltering nearby. In a rare public statement in 2021, Byrd said he had acted to prevent a potentially greater tragedy.
The undisclosed monetary settlement was approved following confidential negotiations. Legal experts note that such settlements are not uncommon in high-profile cases involving allegations of excessive force, regardless of criminal findings.
The family’s legal team acknowledged the agreement but reiterated their call for more transparency and accountability in how law enforcement responses are reviewed during politically charged events.
The Capitol incident continues to be the subject of ongoing legal, political, and historical scrutiny as numerous defendants remain entangled in related federal cases. The Babbitt settlement marks one of the most visible civil outcomes tied to that day’s events.