It must be nice to be Ashli Babbitt’s family, who reportedly just reached a $4.2 million settlement with the federal government. This settlement follows her wrongful death during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. On January 6, during the insurrection, Babbitt attempted to enter the interior lobby of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite. A Capitol police officer accidentally shot her fatally in the course of doing so.
Babbitt was a passionate supporter of Donald Trump. She dove head-first into conspiracy theories, characterizing Democratic legislators as dark, sinister forces working to foil him. Leading up to the Capitol riots, her social media activity reflected her belief in these unfounded narratives, including claims of widespread voter fraud promoted by Trump and his allies. Her conviction helped propel her into a leading role of the violent mob bent on reversing the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Trump then lost that general election to Joe Biden.
The settlement agreement was confirmed by representatives for both Babbitt’s family and the federal government earlier this month. The family had initially asked for $30 million in damages. Still, this settlement is intended to resolve the ongoing legal challenges over Babbitt’s estate. Indeed, both parties have already declared victory, boasting that they concluded an agreement in principle. They haven’t shared the particulars, and a binding agreement is not yet complete.
U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes of the District of Columbia has directed both sides to file status reports. They need to report back with their progress by this Thursday. The trial date on the case was set for July 2026, but this settlement may change that course.
Babbitt’s death occurred amid the chaotic events of January 6, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in a desperate attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. This attack has been linked to multiple fatalities and has left lasting trauma for many involved, including law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol that day.
Hakeem Jeffries, the incoming top House Democrat and likely future speaker, denounced the process through which NJDOT negotiated the settlement. He said it was fully choreographed without any notice or consultation with the new chief of the Capitol police or his lawyers. He thinks it’s due only to a political choice to whitewash what happened on January 6th.
Babbitt’s family has emphasized that their pursuit of justice is not just about the money. They are committed to seeking accountability for her death and the circumstances that brought it about. The merits of the settlement would bring closure to Babbitt’s family. It poses serious questions about accountability when law enforcement takes repressive actions while enforcing civil unrest.