Aaron Babbitt, the husband of Ashli Babbitt, a veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot, has initiated legal action against the U.S. government, seeking $30 million in damages. Judicial Watch attorneys filed the lawsuit on Friday, alleging wrongful death, assault, and battery on behalf of Aaron Babbitt and his estate.
Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the protest. The lawsuit contends that Byrd was negligent in firing his gun at Babbitt, who, according to court records, had traveled to Washington, D.C., solely to attend the “Save America” rally organized by then-President Trump. The attorneys argue that Ashli, a Trump supporter and Air Force veteran, posed no threat to anyone’s safety.
The lawsuit accuses Lt. Byrd of improper gun brandishing, violating safety and use of force standards, and failing to assess an imminent threat before firing. Byrd, allegedly not in uniform at the time, reportedly did not identify himself as a Capitol Police officer or issue any warnings before shooting. The legal action claims Ashli could not have seen Byrd before the shooting and suffered extreme pain, mental anguish, and unconsciousness before being pronounced dead at Washington Hospital Center at 3:15 p.m.
Ashli’s autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to the left anterior shoulder as the cause of death, with blood in her lungs suggesting she was alive after being shot, according to the lawsuit. Lt. Byrd, the lawsuit claims, had a history of disciplinary issues before January 6, 2021, including leaving the same Glock used in the shooting in a bathroom in 2019 and facing multiple instances of having his police powers revoked for failing to meet firearms qualification requirements.
