Overview

• 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.