The Trump administration has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The settlement, facilitated by the conservative group Judicial Watch, resolves a $30 million federal lawsuit that Babbitt's estate filed last year, alleging negligence by Byrd and the Capitol Police. Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, was attempting to climb through a broken window leading to the House speaker's lobby when she was shot. The officer involved was cleared of wrongdoing by both the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the U.S. Capitol Police, who found his actions to be in self-defense and within department policy. The settlement comes amidst controversy, with some officials and commentators expressing strong opposition to the payout, citing Babbitt's role in the riot and President Trump's vocal support for the rioters. This settlement marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussions about law enforcement accountability and the events of January 6.

The U.S. Air Force will provide military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who was fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The service confirmed the decision in a letter sent to her family and made public this week. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew L. Lohmeier wrote on 15 Aug. that, after reviewing the circumstances of Babbitt’s death, he was “persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect,” and invited the family to the Pentagon. Honors for a senior airman typically include a uniformed detail, the playing of “Taps” and the folding and presentation of a U.S. flag. The move overturns a February 2021 ruling by Air Force leadership under President Joe Biden, which said granting the request would “bring discredit upon the Air Force.” It comes after the Trump administration this summer agreed to pay roughly $4.98 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s estate and, earlier in the year, issued clemency for many Jan. 6 offenders. Babbitt served on active duty from 2004 to 2008 and later in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. She was shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd while attempting to climb through a broken window leading to the Speaker’s Lobby; multiple investigations cleared the officer of wrongdoing. The Air Force’s reversal is the latest flashpoint in the broader political debate over the legacy of the Capitol riot.

Judicial Watch has reached a $4.975 million settlement with the U.S. government in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of Ashli Babbitt's family. This settlement marks a notable resolution in the case. Concurrently, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Judicial Watch's challenge concerning election integrity, specifically addressing whether candidates can contest the illegal counting of ballots and emphasizing that federal law sets a single Election Day rather than an Election Week. Additionally, Judicial Watch has been pursuing the release of Jeffrey Epstein files under federal law but has expressed frustration over delays, stating that the records have not been released even partially. The organization has also criticized FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, longtime allies of Judicial Watch, accusing them of being "hostages of the Deep State" in relation to their handling of the Epstein investigation. Patel recently appeared on Joe Rogan's show, where he appeared unaware of Epstein's second autopsy, raising further questions. Judicial Watch continues to file lawsuits and push for transparency regarding the Epstein files while maintaining its focus on election law challenges and the Babbitt case settlement.

Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Verardo, a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division who was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2010, passed away at the age of 40. Verardo underwent more than 120 surgeries and years of rehabilitation following his combat injuries. His service and sacrifice were recognized by various public figures, including former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. In a related development, the U.S. Air Force announced it will provide full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This decision reverses a previous denial of honors, a move attributed to the Biden administration. The restoration of funeral honors for Babbitt was acknowledged by Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier.

Michigan State University has reached a $30 million settlement with three survivors of the 2023 mass shooting on its campus. Separately, Judicial Watch announced a $4.975 million settlement with the U.S. government in the wrongful death lawsuit concerning Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by Michael Byrd during the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident. Judicial Watch criticized Byrd's presence and conduct at the Capitol, highlighting that he had previously been involved in an improper shooting and had left his gun unattended in the Capitol Visitor Center. Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch described the settlement as a form of vindication for Babbitt and emphasized the organization's broader efforts to seek justice in the case.

Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed female veteran, was fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. Byrd has faced no repercussions for the shooting. Criticism has been directed at Byrd's presence and conduct at the scene, including allegations that he left his gun unattended in the Capitol Visitor Center and was previously involved in an improper shooting near his home. It has been noted that the only Capitol Police officer killed in the line of duty in over 20 years was Officer William "Billy" Evans, who was killed by Noah Green on April 2, 2021. No individuals supporting former President Donald Trump were killed during the January 6 events.

Thomas Manger, the outgoing chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, has publicly criticized the Department of Justice's decision to settle a lawsuit related to the January 6 shooting incident. Manger expressed his strong disappointment and disagreement with the settlement, stating that it sends a chilling message to law enforcement officers nationwide, particularly those with protective duties. Retired Sergeant Aquilino Gonell also condemned the settlement, describing it as a betrayal and a slap in the face to Capitol Police officers who responded during the January 6 attack. Gonell further questioned the sincerity of political figures who claim to support law enforcement, referencing former President Donald Trump's statements about backing the police. The controversy centers on the Justice Department's planned settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot during the Capitol breach in 2021. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions within law enforcement circles regarding accountability and support following the events of January 6.

Five members of the Proud Boys, including former leader Enrique Tarrio, have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government alleging violations of their constitutional rights in connection with their prosecution for participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The group, described as a far-right militant organization, is seeking $100 million in damages. The lawsuit claims government and FBI employees acted improperly during the prosecution process. Separately, Judicial Watch announced that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear their case challenging the legality of post-election day ballot counting. Judicial Watch also reported a $4.975 million settlement with the U.S. government in the wrongful death lawsuit related to Ashli Babbitt, a woman killed during the Capitol attack. The Supreme Court's decision to take up the Judicial Watch election case marks a notable development in ongoing election law disputes.

Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, was fatally shot by police during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. She was attempting to climb through a broken window leading to the Speaker's Lobby when she was shot. Multiple investigations found no wrongdoing in her death. Former President Donald Trump sought to portray Babbitt as a martyr for the MAGA movement. Meanwhile, Kayleigh McEnany has called for answers regarding a Biden administration cover-up related to dead soldiers' families dating back to 2020.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has intensified calls for Attorney General Pam Bondi to immediately release the client list related to Jeffrey Epstein amid the deaths of two victims and growing public distrust. Luna, who leads the Declassification Task Force, accuses the Department of Justice (DOJ) of stonewalling and demands transparency regarding Epstein's records. Judicial Watch has filed a lawsuit against the DOJ and FBI to obtain Epstein-related documents, including client identities, and is actively pursuing this case in federal court. The group highlights the ongoing concealment of records tied to Epstein's international sex trafficking operation and questions who enabled and protected him. Additionally, Judicial Watch is involved in a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit concerning Ashli Babbitt, asserting she was killed without justification and seeking accountability. The DOJ has been criticized for delaying the release of audio tapes from President Joe Biden's Special Counsel interview, with Judicial Watch uncovering attempts by the Biden White House to alter transcripts to conceal memory lapses. Calls for transparency extend to demands for the release of Epstein files and related investigations, with some voices urging arrests connected to the case. Prominent figures, including Rudy Giuliani, have publicly questioned the whereabouts of Epstein's client list. Judicial Watch continues to push for disclosure through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits and federal court actions against the DOJ and FBI.

Judicial Watch has filed a lawsuit seeking the release of records related to the death of Ashli Babbitt, aiming to uncover undisclosed information about the incident. The organization revealed through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who fatally shot Babbitt, was housed at Andrews Air Force Base for over six months following the incident, with no prosecution or thorough investigation pursued. Judicial Watch alleges that Byrd received special protection at taxpayer expense. Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, emphasized the organization's commitment to judicial accountability and justice for Ashli Babbitt's family. The lawsuit intends to determine what records exist, why they remain secret, and to ensure transparency regarding the case.

The Trump administration is facing criticism for withholding federally approved funding for critical flood control and infrastructure projects in Democratic-led states, particularly California. Lawmakers including Representatives Marcy Kaptur, Mike Levin, and Rosa DeLauro have condemned the administration's actions as politically motivated retribution that endangers public safety by delaying essential maintenance and increasing disaster risks. The Army Corps of Engineers has been unable to justify the refusal to release the funds. Additionally, the administration agreed to a $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, a figure involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, which has drawn backlash from law enforcement supporters and some Republicans who view it as a betrayal. Editorials and letters to the editor in the Los Angeles Times have criticized the administration for using California as a financial resource while imposing substantial budget cuts, further exacerbating tensions over federal-state relations and infrastructure funding.