This kerfuffle is difficult to write about because I have two points of view in conflict. It has recently reignited over the proposed $5M settlement over the death of Ashli Babbitt. a trespassing J6 Trumpkin protester who was killed by Michael Byrd, a Capitol officer:
Babbitt's death was a rallying point for Trump loyalists and Capitol rioters who alleged police used unnecessary force in stopping the mob on Jan. 6. In the civil lawsuit, Babbitt's estate alleged U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd was negligent in the issue of force and his firearm. The suit also argued Byrd was not in uniform and was wearing a COVID mask when he opened fire against Babbitt. The suit accused Byrd of failing to "de-escalate."
"Ashli was unarmed," the lawsuit said. "Her hands were up in the air, empty, and in plain view of Lt. Byrd and other officers in the lobby. Ashli posed no threat to the safety of anyone."
Let's be clear:
I was and remain opposed to the J6 riots. The property damage and in particular injuries to 140 cops are astonishing, particularly given the fact that Trump considers cops a signature constituency. I have consistently blamed poor security planning for the breach. It was obvious why Trump had scheduled his DC rally before Congressional votes ratifying Biden's incontrovertible 2020 electoral college victory. This did not excuse the trespassing and other crimes committed by lawbreaking Trumpkin mobs.
Not only have I opposed J6 mob lawbreakers, including Ashli Babbitt's trespassing breach of the Capitol, but I backed their ongoing prosecutions, and I vehemently oppose Trump's abusive self-serving abuse of his pardon authority and his unconstitutional executive manipulation of the Justice Department in subverting the interests of the American people on relevant cases. It's a violation of the rule of law for Trump to exercise authority when he is personally vested in the outcomes of his political minions; it's why, for instance, you sometimes see judges recuse themselves from cases. I don't have good numbers on the cross breaks of Trump's hypocritical, morally egregious pardons/related actions (expungements, dismissals, etc.), but there's some evidence Trump forgave some suspects charged with violent behavior against officers.
That being said, I am troubled about officers who engage in bad behavior like Byrd who unnecessarily used deadly force against an unarmed trespasser (Babbitt) who posed no legitimate threat. I don't deny what Babbitt attempted to do was unlawful but 140 officers who were legitimately and directly attacked did not engage as Byrd did in the use of lethal force. Trespassing is illegal but is not a capital offense. Babbitt should have been arrested and had her day in court, not have Byrd serve as her jury and judge. But leftist trolls on X argue, what about Byrd's exoneration by internal reviews? Oh, please. I have consistently opposed police brutality, such as Chauvin's killing of George Floyd. The thin blue line. good cops protecting bad ones is a fact of life. I have not heard or seen testimony contradicting the allegation in the initial excerpt.
Do I approve of the settlement? I certainly think the Capitol police should be held accountable for misconduct. The money isn't going to restore Babbitt's life.
