The family of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6 riot, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking $30 million in damages. The suit, filed by her husband, accuses the officer of wrongful death, assault, and negligence. Federal prosecutors and a Capitol Police probe previously found the officer's actions justified, deeming them as self-defense or defense of others. The officer, Lt. Michael Byrd, was cleared of wrongdoing, but Babbitt's death remains a polarizing issue, with some on the far right viewing her as a martyr.
A CBS News poll reveals that while most Americans still condemn the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Republican disapproval has decreased over the past three years. The poll indicates a growing minority within the GOP, especially among the MAGA faction, that approves of the rioters' actions. Misinformation persists, with a significant portion of Republicans believing the rioters were imposters posing as Trump supporters. Despite legal consequences faced by participants, many Republicans support pardons for them. The nation is divided on whether Trump's involvement should bar him from future ballots, and there is widespread concern about the potential for violence in future elections and the threat to U.S. democracy. The survey was conducted with a sample of 2,157 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of ±2.8 points.
On the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Democrats and the media for using the event to "impugn" Americans, accusing them of "waving the bloody shirt." While DeSantis has previously condemned the riots, he now suggests that the focus should shift to "the people's issues" rather than dwelling on Jan. 6. His remarks come as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether states can disqualify former President Trump from the ballot based on insurrection claims. DeSantis, who is seen as a potential GOP presidential candidate, contrasts with Trump's narrative, which includes claims of Antifa and FBI involvement in the riot.
Donald Trump has promised to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol insurrection if he wins the 2024 presidential election. This pledge includes potentially hundreds of cases, with Trump specifically mentioning Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader sentenced for seditious conspiracy. The Department of Justice has secured almost 900 convictions related to the insurrection, with around 350 cases ongoing. Trump's statements have raised concerns among Democrats, with Congressman Jamie Raskin warning of the dangers of pardoning those who commit political violence. President Biden is focusing on the threat to democracy posed by such actions as a central theme in his re-election campaign.
The estate of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the January 6 Capitol riot, and her husband have filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging that Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd was negligent in shooting her. Babbitt, an Air Force veteran and Trump supporter, was unarmed when she was shot while climbing through a door in the Capitol. Byrd, who was cleared in an internal investigation, claimed he acted to protect lawmakers and himself. The lawsuit contends Babbitt posed no threat and Byrd failed to identify himself or issue warnings before firing.
President Joe Biden, speaking in Pennsylvania, emphasized the significance of the January 6 Capitol riot, comparing the current political climate to a pivotal moment in American history and warning of the dangers posed by Donald Trump's potential 2024 presidential run. Biden criticized Trump for his role in the events of January 6 and his ongoing efforts to undermine the election results. The president's speech aimed to frame the upcoming election as a choice about the survival of American democracy, while also highlighting the polarized views of the Capitol attack among Americans. Biden's remarks came as the nation approaches the third anniversary of the January 6 riot, with the former president facing legal challenges that could affect his eligibility to run for office again.
The estate and husband of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed during the January 6 Capitol riot, have filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, represented by Judicial Watch. The suit alleges that Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd was negligent in shooting Babbitt as she tried to enter the House chamber. Babbitt, an Air Force veteran and Trump supporter, has been portrayed as a martyr by some conservatives. Byrd, who was cleared in an internal investigation, claimed his actions were necessary to protect lawmakers.
Republican candidates, reflecting the influence of Donald Trump on the GOP, are increasingly advocating for pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Joe Kent, a GOP candidate in Washington, and others like Trent Leisy in Colorado, have expressed support for pardoning or compensating those they deem "patriots" from the events of January 6. This push for pardons is seen as a litmus test for loyalty to Trump within the party, as he remains a leading figure and has himself suggested the possibility of pardoning rioters if he wins the presidency again. The stance on January 6 pardons is becoming a significant aspect of the Republican narrative as the 2024 elections approach, indicating a lasting "Trumpification" of the party.
Three years after the January 6 Capitol insurrection, the number of Ohio residents charged has reached at least 64, with new arrests still being made. Among those charged are individuals involved in violent confrontations with police and members of extremist groups. While some Ohioans have been sentenced to probation or short prison terms, others are still awaiting trial or sentencing. The cases reflect a range of charges from obstruction of an official proceeding to assaulting officers, with the legal outcomes varying significantly among the defendants.
As the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection approaches, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are using the event to rally political support in contrasting ways. Trump, facing federal charges related to the riot, continues to downplay the severity of the event and praise the rioters, while Biden emphasizes the attack as a threat to democracy. Both are potentially gearing up for a 2024 election rematch, with each side accusing the other of being a danger to the nation's democratic values. Public opinion on the riot remains deeply divided along partisan lines, with a significant portion of Republicans downplaying the violence of the event.
