Ashli Babbitt $30 million wrongful death suit gets first hearing

A $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of Jan. 6 Capitol riot victim Ashli Babbitt will get its first hearing tomorrow in a Washington federal court.

Judicial Watch today announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will host the hearing at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

The premotion conference will be held via video with Judge Ana Reyes.

The watchdog group said the hearing is the first in the case filed on behalf of Babbitt, who was shot dead by then-U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she entered the Speaker’s Lobby just off the floor of the House during the daylong riots meant to break up the Jan. 6, 2021, Electoral College ceremony confirming President Joe Biden's election.

The suit was filed in January in San Diego, home to Babbitt's family. The Justice Department won in its bid to shift the case to Washington where courts have been more willing to convict Jan. 6 defendants.

Byrd was never charged or otherwise punished or disciplined for Babbitt’s homicide.

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The lawsuit includes claims against the federal government for wrongful death, assault and battery, and various negligence issues.

“Ashli Babbitt and her family deserve accountability and justice for her wrongful death on January 6. In short, there was no good reason for Lt. Byrd to ambush and shoot her,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said. “But the Biden Justice Department, rather than admit government wrongdoing, is doing its best to try to ensure Ashli never gets her full day in court.”