Who Was Ashli Babbitt? A Patriot or a Protester?

Ashli Babbitt was a San Diego native and a 14-year Air Force veteran who passionately supported then-President Donald Trump. She traveled to Washington, D.C., for the “Stop the Steal” rally, joining thousands who believed the 2020 election was fraudulent. As the crowd breached the Capitol, Babbitt was at the forefront, attempting to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby, a hallway near the House chamber where lawmakers were sheltering.

Video footage captured the moment she was shot by Michael Byrd, falling back with a Trump flag draped around her shoulders. Her supporters argue she was exercising her First Amendment rights, while others point to her role in a violent mob that threatened democracy. This divide has made Babbitt’s death a symbol of the broader cultural and political tensions surrounding January 6.

Michael Byrd: The Officer at the Heart of the Storm

Michael Byrd, a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Capitol Police, was the officer who fired the fatal shot. In a 2021 NBC News interview, Byrd explained he acted as a “last resort” to protect the 60 to 80 House members and staff inside the Speaker’s Lobby (NBC News). He claimed he issued verbal warnings, though Babbitt’s family disputes this, alleging he did not identify himself or give clear commands.

Both an internal Capitol Police investigation and a DOJ review in April 2021 found Byrd’s actions lawful, concluding there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges (DOJ). Yet, Babbitt’s family and supporters argue the shooting was excessive, claiming she was unarmed and posed no immediate threat. This disagreement has kept Michael Byrd in the spotlight, with some hailing him as a hero and others vilifying him as negligent.

The $30 Million Lawsuit: From Outrage to Settlement

In January 2024, Babbitt’s family, backed by the conservative activist group Judicial Watch, filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government in federal court in Southern California (CBS News). The lawsuit alleged that Michael Byrd used excessive force, failed to follow protocol, and “ambushed” Babbitt, who they claimed was unarmed with her hands raised. The family’s attorney, Terry Roberts, emphasized Babbitt’s intent to exercise her “God-given, American liberties and freedoms” (San Diego Union-Tribune).

The case faced challenges, including a two-year statute of limitations under the Federal Tort Claims Act, as it was filed nearly three years after Babbitt’s death. Despite this, the lawsuit, funded by a $462,000 crowdfunding campaign, progressed, with a trial initially set for July 2026 (SAN). However, on May 2, 2025, attorneys announced a settlement in principle during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes (ABC News). The terms remain confidential, but both sides hope to finalize the agreement by May 8, 2025.

This settlement coincides with President Trump’s second term, during which he has pardoned hundreds involved in the January 6 riot and proposed a compensation fund for them (Washington Examiner). Trump’s March 2025 Newsmax statement about “looking into” the Babbitt case suggests political influence may have shaped the DOJ’s decision to settle (Washington Post).

Fox News: Amplifying Babbitt’s Cause

Fox News has been a leading voice for Babbitt’s supporters, often portraying her as a patriot and questioning the official narrative. In January 2021, the network described Babbitt as someone who “loved America with all her heart” (Fox News). Hosts like Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham, and Mark Levin have expressed sympathy, with Carlson featuring Babbitt’s husband in June 2021 to demand the officer’s identity (Fox News). In October 2021, Fox News covered Judicial Watch’s release of documents suggesting “no good reason” for the shooting (Fox News).

This coverage has resonated with conservative audiences, framing Babbitt as a martyr of government overreach. In contrast, mainstream outlets like The Washington Post and CBS News have emphasized the DOJ’s findings that Byrd acted lawfully, highlighting the riot’s violence (Washington Post). The media divide mirrors the broader polarization over January 6.

Reddit: A Polarized Online Battleground

Reddit has been a hotbed for discussions about Ashli Babbitt, reflecting the deep divide in public opinion. In subreddits like r/AskConservatives, users often express sympathy, arguing Babbitt was unarmed and unjustly killed. A September 2024 post about the trial date saw comments questioning Byrd’s actions and the lack of criminal charges. Conversely, in r/news and r/law, users frequently defend Byrd, citing the need to protect lawmakers during a violent riot. A January 2024 r/news post about the lawsuit filing garnered over 5,000 comments, with many supporting the DOJ’s findings.

The May 2025 settlement is likely to spark fresh debates, though specific threads on this development were not widely indexed as of May 4, 2025. Reddit remains a space where users dissect the legal, ethical, and political complexities of the case, often amplifying existing biases.

What Does This Settlement Mean for January 6’s Legacy?

The settlement in the Ashli Babbitt case is a pivotal moment, raising questions about justice, accountability, and the future of January 6-related litigation. For Babbitt’s family, it offers a form of closure, though the undisclosed terms leave room for speculation. Attorney Terry Roberts’ confusion over early settlement reports—he learned of it from a media outlet on May 1—highlights the secretive nature of the negotiations (Blaze Media).

For the government, settling avoids a trial that could have reignited tensions. The timing, under President Trump’s administration, suggests political influence, especially given his pardons and compensation fund proposal. This could set a precedent for other January 6 lawsuits, though Babbitt’s case is unique due to her death and high-profile status.

The settlement also underscores the ongoing divide over January 6. While some see it as acknowledgment of wrongdoing, others view it as a pragmatic move to avoid further controversy. As details emerge, the case will likely continue to fuel debates on Fox News, Reddit, and beyond, cementing Babbitt’s place in America’s polarized narrative.

Conclusion: A Case That Won’t Fade Away

The Ashli Babbitt case is more than a legal battle—it’s a microcosm of America’s cultural and political divides. From Michael Byrd’s actions to the DOJ’s settlement, every aspect has been scrutinized, debated, and politicized. Fox News has amplified the narrative of Babbitt as a victim, while Reddit reflects the public’s split opinions. As the settlement is finalized, one thing is clear: the story of Ashli Babbitt and January 6 will continue to shape conversations about justice, freedom, and the role of law enforcement in a divided nation.