FBI accused of concealing truth in Ashli Babbitt shooting on Jan. 6
Ashli Babbitt’s Death: Watchdog Group Escalates Battle with Justice Department
A gripping legal battle is unfolding between a watchdog group and the Justice Department over the FBI’s refusal to release files on Ashli Babbitt, the United States Air Force veteran tragically shot and killed during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. This riot erupted as President Joe Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump was being certified.
A “Cover-Up” Allegation
Claiming a “cover-up,” Judicial Watch, the watchdog group, has taken the fight to federal court. They filed a lawsuit on Friday, accusing the FBI of twice denying their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for any files related to Babbitt and her husband Aaron.
The FOIA lawsuit was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Judicial Watch is working closely with Aaron Babbitt, who is the executor of his wife’s estate, to uncover all the information the government possesses about the couple and the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt by then-U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd.
A Demand for Justice
Judicial Watch and Aaron Babbitt recently filed a $30 million wrongful death suit against the government, seeking justice for the 35-year-old who tragically lost her life on January 6. She was the only casualty associated with the riots.
“Judicial Watch and our supporters are honored to represent Ashli’s steadfast widower Aaron Babbitt and her estate in this legal action. Ashli was shot in cold blood, and the rule of law requires justice for her,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton when filing the suit on January 4.
In their latest FOIA suit, Judicial Watch reveals that not only has the FBI rejected their two requests for files, but they have also stonewalled the Office of Information Policy, the Justice Department office responsible for ensuring FOIA compliance.
A Disturbing Cover-Up?
Judicial Watch questions the FBI’s motives, stating, ”Ashli Babbitt was the only homicide victim on Jan. 6, yet the FBI has been illicitly hiding its files on Ashli Babbitt from her family for a year. Why the cover-up?”
The wrongful death suit includes a new camera angle of the shooting, revealing the moment Lt. Byrd raised his gun as an unarmed Babbitt was pushed into the House Speaker’s Lobby. After the shot was fired, she fell back, bleeding from her shoulder and neck.
Ashli’s Final Moments
According to the suit, Ashli remained conscious for several minutes after being shot, experiencing excruciating pain, mental anguish, and intense fear before slipping into unconsciousness. The autopsy report confirms that Ashli was alive and breathing, with the cause of death listed as a gunshot wound to the left shoulder. She was pronounced dead at Washington Hospital Center at 3:15 p.m., and the medical examiner ruled her death as a homicide.
Lt. Byrd, who claimed he shot Babbitt as a “last resort,” was later promoted to captain.
What specific records, documents, and communications is the watchdog group demanding from the Justice Department regarding the shooting of Ashli Babbitt?
Led a formal request for accountability and transparency from the Justice Department. They are demanding all records, documents, and communications related to the shooting, including any disciplinary actions taken against Byrd. The watchdog group argues that the American public has a right to know the truth about Babbitt’s death and the actions of the law enforcement officer involved.
According to allegations made by Judicial Watch, the FBI failed to comply with FOIA requests, which are essential for government transparency and accountability. The watchdog group claims that the FBI’s denial of access to the requested files is a deliberate attempt to hide vital information regarding the circumstances surrounding Babbitt’s death.
The Controversial Shooting Incident
On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 presidential election. As chaos ensued, Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Lt. Michael Byrd while attempting to climb through a window into the Speaker’s Lobby. The shooting was captured on video and quickly became a highly controversial and divisive issue.
Since the incident, there have been conflicting narratives surrounding the actions of Lt. Byrd. Some argue that the shooting was justified, citing the need for law enforcement to protect members of Congress and maintain order. Others, including Judicial Watch and Aaron Babbitt, question the use of lethal force in this specific case and are demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the shooting.
A Matter of Transparency and Accountability
This legal battle between Judicial Watch and the Justice Department is not merely about the release of files; it is about holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring transparency within the government. The American public deserves to know the truth about the incident on January 6th and the circumstances surrounding Ashli Babbitt’s death.
Judicial Watch’s lawsuit seeks to shed light on the actions leading to Babbitt’s tragic death and whether any misconduct or excessive use of force took place. The watchdog group argues that without access to the requested files, an investigation cannot be conducted properly and the pursuit of justice is impeded.
As this legal battle unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the Justice Department responds. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for government transparency and accountability moving forward.
A Call for Answers
The shooting of Ashli Babbitt remains a highly contentious and emotional issue for many Americans. It is essential that the truth be revealed through impartial investigation and the release of all relevant information. The allegations of a “cover-up” must be addressed, and justice must be served. Only then can healing and true accountability be achieved.
Regardless of one’s stance on the Capitol riot or the shooting incident, the pursuit of truth and justice should always remain fundamental within a democratic society. The outcome of this legal battle will determine if the principles of transparency and accountability can prevail, shedding light on a tragedy that has deeply impacted the nation.
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