The Ashli Babbitt case is back in the national spotlight as President Donald Trump vows to investigate the circumstances of her death. Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd, has become a symbol of concerns over police use of force. With Byrd cleared of wrongdoing, Trump’s pledge raises new questions about accountability and could have major implications for other January 6 cases.
Trump Pledges to Investigate Babbitt Shooting
President Donald Trump has vowed to investigate why the Department of Justice is contesting a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt. During a recent interview with Newsmax host Greg Kelly, Trump expressed his concerns about the circumstances surrounding Babbitt’s death during the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests.
“I am a big fan of Ashli Babbitt, and Ashli Babbitt was a really good person… She was innocently standing there… and a man did something to her that was unthinkable when he shot her and I think it’s a disgrace. I am going to look into that,” Trump stated during the interview. The president also expressed surprise upon learning that Capitol Police Officer Michael Byrd, who shot Babbitt, was later promoted rather than facing disciplinary action.
BREAKING: Trump announced an investigation into the cop who m*rdered Ashli Babbitt.
He needs to face a jury!pic.twitter.com/vardjFU5kE
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 26, 2025
Details of the Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Judicial Watch filed a substantial wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Babbitt’s husband and her estate against the federal government. The lawsuit alleges that Byrd shot Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran, without properly assessing her intentions or identifying himself as law enforcement.
President Trump announced he would conduct an investigation into Michael Byrd, the cop who murdered Ashli Babbitt.
Byrd shot an UNARMED Ashli Babbitt standing amongst others with other cops next to her, who stood idly by & did NOTHING!
Byrd choked, panicked & fired, with NO… pic.twitter.com/q0lf1WQQ1r
— Shawn Hawkins (@ArmedPatriot45) March 26, 2025
According to the legal filing, Babbitt was unarmed with her hands visible when she was shot, directly contradicting Byrd’s claim that he gave her commands that she failed to follow. An eyewitness cited in the lawsuit stated that Babbitt had been interacting with officers and had suggested they call for backup before the situation escalated to the use of deadly force.
Official Responses and Ongoing Controversy
Capitol Police cleared Officer Byrd of wrongdoing in August 2021, determining that his actions were within departmental policy. The lawsuit, however, points out that Byrd’s shot was the only one fired during the entire January 6 protest, raising questions about whether deadly force was necessary in that moment.
Trump mentioned during the interview that he had already pardoned or commuted sentences for many individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 protest. “I am going to look into that,” Trump said when asked about the promotion of Byrd and the Department of Justice’s opposition to the family’s lawsuit, indicating his administration would take a different approach to the case.
The controversy surrounding Babbitt’s death continues to resonate with many Americans concerned about law enforcement accountability and the events of January 6. Newsmax host Greg Kelly described the incident as “a bad shooting,” echoing sentiments shared by many who have questioned whether deadly force was justified in the circumstances.