Summary
A federal judge has set a trial date for July 20, 2026, for the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot by U.S. Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd during the January 6 Capitol riot. The lawsuit, which seeks $30 million in damages, alleges that Babbitt was unarmed and posed no threat when she was shot.
The case has garnered significant attention as it stems from the events of January 6, 2021, when Babbitt was part of a group attempting to breach the Speaker’s Lobby. The lawsuit claims that Byrd acted without proper identification, warnings, or assessment of the situation, leading to Babbitt’s death. Judicial Watch, a watchdog group assisting in the lawsuit, has indicated that the family is seeking justice and accountability for what they describe as a violent and unlawful act. The trial’s outcome may have implications for discussions surrounding law enforcement conduct during civil unrest and the accountability of government officials in similar situations.
Trial in Ashli Babbitt family’s lawsuit over Jan. 6 death set for 2026
Sep. 20 / The Hill “ A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt’s family against the U.S. government will go to trial in 2026, a judge said Friday during a...
Ashli Babbitt $30 million ‘wrongful death’ suit gets green light
Sep. 23 / Gazette “ A federal judge scheduled a trial date for a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Jan. 6 protester Ashli Babbitt, who died after being shot by...