President Donald Trump made headlines again this week as he voiced support for the late Ashli Babbitt and indicated he is reviewing ways to provide financial compensation to individuals charged over the Jan. 6 protests. Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran, was killed by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd during the unrest inside the Capitol in 2021.
Trump referred to Babbitt as a “really good person” and a loyal supporter of his America First movement. He highlighted claims that Babbitt was trying to hold back demonstrators, and condemned Byrd’s actions as “unthinkable.” Byrd, who remains with the Capitol Police, has a documented history of misconduct, including lying to investigators and leaving his post prior to the shooting.
BREAKING: Trump announced an investigation into the cop who m*rdered Ashli Babbitt.
He needs to face a jury!pic.twitter.com/vardjFU5kE
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 26, 2025
During an interview, Trump noted that discussions about compensating Jan. 6 defendants have gained traction in government circles. He emphasized the unfair treatment many protesters received, particularly those who were imprisoned despite not entering the Capitol building. Trump has already pardoned more than 1,500 individuals in connection to the protests.
Babbitt’s family has filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the government. Trump said he had not been aware of the lawsuit but would also be reviewing it. He reiterated his admiration for Babbitt and criticized the circumstances surrounding her death.
Further scrutiny of Byrd’s career has revealed a 2019 suspension for leaving his loaded service weapon in a public restroom, as well as receiving tens of thousands of dollars in additional funding and benefits after the Babbitt shooting. Despite this record, Byrd was promoted to captain in 2023.
Calls from lawmakers such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have urged the Trump administration to bring criminal charges against Byrd. Greene and others have cited Byrd’s pattern of misconduct as grounds for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Ed Martin, Trump’s newly appointed top prosecutor in Washington, has voiced support for restitution efforts aimed at Jan. 6 defendants. Many supporters have echoed the sentiment that pardons alone are not enough to rectify the injustices done to these Americans.
