Internal probe clears officer in shooting death of rioter in US Capitol

By Andy Roesgen

CHICAGO, US (AA) - An internal probe cleared a police officer who shot and killed rioter Ashli Babbitt during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the US Capitol of wrongdoing, authorities announced Monday.

The US Capitol Police said in a statement that the officer was within his rights to use deadly force and his actions were "lawful" and he will not face any form of internal discipline.

"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 police department said.

The US Department of Justice announced last spring that it would not seek charges against the officer, who has not been publicly identified due to concerns over his safety.

The Capitol Police said Monday that the officer and the officer's family "have been the subject of numerous credible and specific threats."

Babbitt, 35, was a veteran of the Air Force. She was among a crowd of former President Donald Trump's supporters as they attempted to push their way into an area known as the Speaker's Lobby, past a door guarded by police that was barricaded with furniture, while Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden's presidential victory. Babbitt was unarmed but was reportedly among those trying to push through the door, which had its glass broken out, when the officer shot her.

Babbitt's family has filed a lawsuit to get the name of the officer publicly released and has threatened to file a civil action lawsuit demanding millions of dollars, claiming she was the victim of excessive force.

Trump has said in interviews and at rallies this summer that he has spoken with Babbitt's family and that he is demanding "justice" for her death.

It was the former president's rally on Jan. 6 near the White House that ended with rally-goers heading to the Capitol. More than 500 protestors have since been charged with crimes relating to the riot.