January 1, Internal review clears Capitol Police officer who shot Ashli Babbitt

The fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot was lawful, according to an internal probe by the Capitol Police. The unnamed officer will not be disciplined over the shooting.

Babbitt, 36, was shot by an officer in the Speaker’s lobby on Jan. 6. The Capitol Police recently concluded its internal investigation into the incident.

“If the doors were breached, the rioters would have immediate access to the House Chambers,” the Capitol Police said in a statement Monday. “The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters who forced their way into the US Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and staff were steps away.”

“The officer’s conduct was lawful and within Department policy, which says an officer may use deadly force only when the officer reasonably believes that action is in the defense of human life, including the officer’s own life, or in the defense of any person in immediate danger of serious physical injury,” the department’s Office of Professional Responsibility found.

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Ashli Babbitt shooting was lawful, unnamed Capitol Police officer cleared, internal review finds