The Department of Justice has reached a “settlement in principle” with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6 Capitol riot.
The agreement was announced during an emergency court hearing and stems from a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch on behalf of Babbitt’s estate.
The suit alleges Babbitt was unarmed and posed no threat when she was shot. The DOJ had previously cleared Byrd of wrongdoing, stating Babbitt tried to climb through a broken window near the Speaker’s Lobby.
Critics have questioned Byrd’s conduct and disciplinary record. The settlement marks a major development in ongoing legal battles related to the events of January 6.
Final terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
