A bombshell investigation into the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd on January 6, 2021, has reignited national debate, with claims of hidden truths surfacing in early May 2025. The probe, driven by Judicial Watch and amplified on X by figures like @TomFitton and @paulsperry_, centers on allegations that Byrd faced no real scrutiny, received special protection, and violated protocol, fueling calls for accountability from Babbitt’s supporters. Yet, the investigation’s claims remain contentious, with limited new evidence and strong pushback from those who see Byrd’s actions as justified.
The shooting occurred during the Capitol riot, when Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, attempted to climb through a shattered window into the Speaker’s Lobby, near the House Chamber. Byrd fired a single shot, striking her in the shoulder, and she died at Washington Hospital Center. The DOJ and Capitol Police cleared Byrd in 2021, finding no evidence he acted unlawfully, citing his defense of Congress members as rioters breached the barricade. However, Judicial Watch’s 2021 FOIA lawsuit uncovered 532 pages of D.C. Metro Police documents, revealing witnesses saw no weapon in Babbitt’s hands and conflicting accounts on whether Byrd issued verbal warnings. Recent X posts claim Byrd was housed at Andrews Air Force Base for six months on taxpayer funds and had prior disciplinary issues, including an unjustified off-duty shooting.
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, addressed the probe on May 5, 2025, calling for “justice for Ashli” and transparency, aligning with Trump’s pardon of Jan. 6 rioters. Her statement, shared widely with #JusticeForAshli, resonated with supporters who view Babbitt as a martyr. Critics, including @CharlieK_news on X, argue the investigation is politically motivated, noting Byrd’s exoneration and the DOJ’s finding that Babbitt posed an imminent threat. The $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s family in 2024, settled in May 2025, adds fuel, though details remain sealed.
Skeptics question the probe’s legitimacy, citing its reliance on old documents and lack of new witnesses. Legal experts say proving Byrd’s intent under 18 U.S.C. § 242 is nearly impossible, as fear or misjudgment don’t meet the “willful” standard. Still, the investigation has stirred raw emotions, with X polls showing 60% demanding Byrd’s prosecution. For now, it’s a flashpoint in a divided nation, with Leavitt’s voice amplifying the call for answers—whether they exist or not.
