Trump Pledges Review of Ashli Babbitt Shooting and Considers Compensation for Jan. 6 Defendants

The former president has vowed to examine Lt. Michael Byrd's actions and the wrongful death lawsuit while weighing financial support for pardoned Capitol riot participants.

President Trump has committed to investigating the 2021 shooting of Ashli Babbitt by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6 Capitol riot.
Babbitt's family has filed a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, which the Justice Department continues to oppose, maintaining Byrd acted lawfully.
Trump has raised questions about Byrd's reputation and suggested further scrutiny of the officer's actions, despite his 2023 promotion to Captain.
The president has floated the idea of a compensation fund for January 6 defendants, arguing they were treated unfairly by the Biden administration.
Trump's comments reflect his broader efforts to reframe the January 6 events and rally support among his political base.