The Trump administration has agreed to pay a $5m (£3.7m) settlement to the family of Ashli Babbitt, a US Air Force veteran who was shot and killed by a Capitol police officer while breaching the US Congress on 6 January 2021. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told CBS, the BBC's US partner, he is "extremely disappointed" with the decision. The officer involved in her shooting has been cleared of any wrongdoing. The settlement resolves a $30m wrongful death suit filed by Babbitt's family and the conservative activist group Judicial Watch. Thousands of Trump supporters descended on the US Capitol on 6 January in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Babbitt was part of a group that smashed windows in an effort to enter the chamber of the House of Representatives while it was still in session, forcing lawmakers to delay certification and flee for safety. Video of the incident shows her being shot in the shoulder after attempting to climb through a door. She later died in hospital. The wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family claimed that the decision to open fire by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd was negligent, and that Babbitt's hands were in the air when she was shot. Family members say that Babbitt was motivated to come to the Capitol by Trump's claims of election fraud. No evidence has ever surfaced of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Mr Byrd previously defended the move to fire his gun, saying the group of lawmakers and security "were essentially trapped" and had "no way to retreat". In August 2021, a Capitol Police review found that Mr Byrd's decision saved lives and was consistent with police training and procedures. A justice department review also found no evidence of any police wrongdoing. "This is extremely disappointing and I completely disagree with the Department of Justice's decision," Chief Manger said in a statement to staff after learning of the settlement, the Washington Post reported. "This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers across our nation - especially those who have a protective mission like ours," he added. In January, on his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon for more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants, including hundreds accused of assaulting police. He also fired the federal prosecutors who handled those cases. Trump in March told conservative news outlet Newsmax that he's "a big fan of Ashli Babbitt" and that she was "innocently standing there" when she was shot. "And a man did something unthinkable to her when he shot her, and I think it's a disgrace," he said, promising to "look into" the lawsuit brought by her family.
US to pay $5m to family of Capitol rioter shot by police
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"US Government Settles with Family of Capitol Rioter Ashli Babbitt for $5 Million"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The federal government has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, a former U.S. Air Force veteran who was shot by Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Babbitt was attempting to breach a secured area when she was shot in the shoulder by Officer Michael Byrd. The incident occurred as a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Following her shooting, Babbitt was transported to a hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The settlement resolves a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt's family, which alleged that Byrd acted negligently and that Babbitt's hands were raised at the time she was shot. This settlement comes against the backdrop of broader discussions about law enforcement conduct during the Capitol riots, which have raised questions about the appropriate use of force by police officers in high-stakes situations.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressed his disappointment regarding the settlement, emphasizing that it sends a troubling message to law enforcement officers tasked with protecting public safety. Both a Capitol Police internal review and a Department of Justice investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by Officer Byrd, stating that his actions were consistent with police training and necessary to protect lawmakers who were in immediate danger. Despite these findings, the settlement has stirred controversy and reignited debates about accountability and the events of January 6. Former President Trump has publicly expressed his support for Babbitt, characterizing her as an innocent victim of excessive force. The implications of this settlement could have lasting effects on the relationships between law enforcement, the public, and political figures, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding the Capitol riots and the subsequent legal ramifications for those involved.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news report discusses a significant settlement reached between the Trump administration and the family of Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who was shot by Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. This event remains a contentious issue in American politics, and the settlement raises various implications regarding accountability, public perception, and the ongoing division in the country.
Implications of the Settlement
The $5 million settlement, while resolving the family's wrongful death lawsuit, may be perceived in different ways. For some, it could represent an acknowledgment of the tragedy that Babbitt's death caused, while for others, it might be seen as an unjust reward for someone who was actively participating in an assault on the Capitol. This duality highlights the polarized views surrounding the events of January 6, 2021, and the individuals involved.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The article aims to influence public perception by framing Babbitt as a veteran involved in a cause that was allegedly based on claims of election fraud. This portrayal might resonate with certain segments of the population who view her as a martyr for a political cause. Conversely, the statement from Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger expressing disappointment could underline the perspective that law enforcement is being unfairly criticized in this situation.
What Might Be Hidden?
There might be an underlying intention to divert attention from broader issues related to the January 6th insurrection, including the consequences faced by many participants and the ongoing investigations into the event. Focusing on Babbitt's family settlement could serve to distract from other significant discussions around accountability and the political climate that led to such extremism.
Manipulative Elements
There are manipulative aspects in the narrative. The language used can evoke sympathy for Babbitt's family while simultaneously framing the police's actions as legitimate. This dual narrative can create divisions among the audience, influencing how different groups interpret the events of January 6 and the role of law enforcement.
Comparison with Other News
In the context of other reports on similar topics, this article can be seen as part of a broader trend of highlighting individual stories tied to larger political events. By focusing on Babbitt, the article aligns with narratives that either vilify or glorify those involved in the Capitol riots, depending on the outlet's political leanings.
Social and Political Impact
The settlement announcement could have implications for political discourse in the United States, potentially energizing both supporters and detractors of the January 6 insurrection. It may also influence public sentiment towards law enforcement and the government's response to civil unrest, shaping future policy discussions.
Target Audience
The article seems to cater to audiences who are sympathetic to right-wing narratives, particularly those who believe in the legitimacy of claims regarding election fraud. It may reinforce the views of those who see Babbitt's actions as justified, while alienating readers who view the insurrection as a dangerous attack on democracy.
Market Implications
While the immediate impact on stock markets may be minimal, the political ramifications could influence sectors related to security, law enforcement, and even technology companies involved in social media platforms that played a role in disseminating information leading up to the insurrection.
Global Context
From a broader perspective, this news story reflects ongoing tensions in American society regarding governance, civil rights, and the rule of law. It connects to global themes of political extremism and the challenges democracies face in addressing civil disobedience and violence.
Use of AI in Reporting
It is possible that AI models have been utilized to draft or analyze this report, particularly in structuring the narrative or presenting data. However, the tone and framing suggest human editorial oversight, as the complexities of the issue require nuanced understanding beyond algorithmic capabilities.
Conclusion
In assessing the reliability of this news piece, it presents factual information regarding the settlement while framing it within a politically charged context. The article’s intent appears to be multifaceted, aiming to influence public sentiment and engage specific ideological audiences. Overall, it raises important questions about accountability and the implications of the Capitol riots.