U.S. Settles With Ashli Babbitt’s Family for $5 Million in Wrongful Death Case

U.s. Settles With Ashli Babbitt’s Family For $5 Million In Wrongful Death Case

Ashli Babbitt’s family just scored nearly $5 million from the federal government. Yes, that Ashli Babbitt — the woman fatally shot by Capitol Police during the January 6 riot.

Surprised? You’re not alone.

The payout comes as part of a legal settlement to avoid a full-blown trial. Babbitt’s estate originally demanded $30 million, but the Department of Justice said, “Let’s not go there,” and settled for $4.8 million, per The Washington Post.

It’s a twist in the already chaotic saga of Jan. 6 — a day that felt more like a scene out of The Purge than anything in American politics.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and QAnon follower, was shot while trying to breach a barricaded hallway near the House chamber. Capitol Police Officer Lt. Michael Byrd pulled the trigger. A federal investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Now, the government’s wallet is doing the talking.

A large chunk of the payout — roughly one-third — will go to legal fees, according to CBS News. And yes, conservative legal group Judicial Watch helped represent Babbitt’s family. Because of course they did.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger isn’t thrilled. He told The Washington Post he disagreed with the DOJ’s move to settle. It’s a rare public airing of friction between departments. Not your usual “no comment” response.

And while this isn’t an admission of guilt, it is a powerful statement: the government would rather cut a check than continue this legal fight.

The reaction? Let’s just say X (formerly Twitter) is having a field day. Some call it justice. Others call it outrageous. Depending on your political flavor, it’s either vindication or capitulation.

US taxpayers will now pay Ashli Babbitt’s family $5 million.

Never forget pic.twitter.com/j7uesp0urE

— Jesus is King (@ProseccoLiquido) May 19, 2025

Taxpayers shouldn’t be paying $5 million to Ashli Babbitt’s family.

Donald Trump should. Personally.

Agree?

🙋‍♀️

— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) May 19, 2025

🚨 #BREAKING: The Trump administration has agreed to a $5 MILLION settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt

Babbitt was kiIIed in cold blood by Michael Byrd

Now, time to ARREST Byrd for murder! pic.twitter.com/BJTzHW09Sz

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 19, 2025

Also read: US GDP Shrinks in Q1 2025 as Imports Surge and Consumer Spending Slows

But regardless of where you stand, $4.8 million is a lot of money for a moment that shook the country — and not in a good way.