Vowing to investigate the shooting of the Air Force veteran killed during the January 6 Capitol events, President Donald Trump declared himself “a big fan of Ashli Babbitt.”
The president promised to consider a settlement for Babbitt’s family and review the employment of the officer who shot her.
During a recent interview, President Trump expressed his admiration for Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd while attempting to enter a barricaded area during the January 6 protests.
The shooting has become a flashpoint for conservatives who believe the government used excessive force against protesters exercising their constitutional rights.
The president did not mince words about his feelings toward Babbitt.
He stated, “I’m a big fan of Ashli Babbitt, okay, and Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan, Trump fan, and she was innocently standing there – they even say, trying to sort of hold back the crowd.”
President Trump was reportedly unaware that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently opposing the $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s family.
When informed of this fact by Newsmax’s Greg Kelly, the president responded with surprise.
“You’re telling me that for the first time. I haven’t heard that,” President Trump stated.
The president pledged to examine whether the government should reach a settlement with Babbitt’s family.
While Democrats have labeled January 6 participants as “insurrectionists,” President Trump has consistently referred to them as “patriots” who had peaceful intentions.
The president also raised serious questions about Lt. Byrd, who was never charged for the shooting and was instead promoted to Captain in 2023.
The DOJ quickly deemed the shooting “lawful” despite considerable controversy surrounding the circumstances.
“I think it’s a disgrace. I’m going to look at that too. His reputation was – I won’t even say. Let’s find out about his reputation, okay? We’re going to find out,” President Trump declared.
The president has already demonstrated his commitment to those affected by the events of January 6 by granting clemency to nearly 1,500 supporters involved.
He has consistently maintained that many January 6 defendants were treated unfairly and subjected to harsh punishments for non-violent actions.
The president even suggested establishing a “compensation fund” for January 6 defendants who suffered financial ruin and imprisonment under what many conservatives consider politically motivated prosecutions.
President Trump compared the Capitol demonstrations to violent vandalism at Tesla dealerships, noting the stark difference in media coverage and legal consequences.
His supporters have framed his commitment to investigating Babbitt’s death as his broader dedication to equal justice under the law.
