Judicial Watch: $30M Lawsuit Over Ashli Babbitt's Wrongful Death

The conservative legal group alleges that the U.S. government is responsible for Babbitt's death. She was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol. During the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, was shot by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to break a window leading to the Speaker of the House's office.

The lawsuit filed alleges that the U.S. government violated Babbitt's civil rights by using excessive force resulting in her death. It also claims that the government failed to provide adequate protection to the Capitol, which led to Babbitt's death.

Judicial Watch is a conservative legal group that aims to hold the government accountable. The group has filed several lawsuits against the U.S. government, including one demanding the release of documents related to the Capitol attack.

This lawsuit is the first filed on behalf of Babbitt's family. The family had previously stated their intention to sue the U.S. government over Babbitt's death.

Judicial Watch's lawsuit is likely to lead to a protracted legal battle. The Capitol Police officer's shooting of Babbitt is expected to be argued as justified by the U.S. government, as it was done to protect themselves and others.