Officer Cleared of Wrongdoing in Deadly U.S. Captiol Shooting

WASHINGTON D.C. –– After months of speculation and threats, the Capitol Police officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt at the U.S. Capitol has been cleared of any wrongdoing. 

According to the U.S. Capitol Police, an internal investigation completed by the Office of Professional Responsibility determined the officer's conduct was lawful and within Department policy.

Babbit was fatally shot on Jan 6th after she tried to climb through a broken window and into the Speaker’s Lobby. At the time members of Congress were nearby being evacuated. 

The policy states an officer may use deadly force only when the officer reasonably believes that action is in the defense of human life, including the officer’s own life, or in the defense of any person in immediate danger of serious physical injury.

Due to the alarming number of threats the officer has not been identified by authorities.

"This officer and the officer’s family have been the subject of numerous credible and specific threats for actions that were taken as part of the job of all our officers: defending the Congress, Members, staff, and the democratic process," said USCP in a statement. "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 U.S. Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and officers were steps away. USCP officers had barricaded the Speaker’s Lobby with furniture before a rioter shattered the glass door. If the doors were breached, the rioters would have immediate access to the House Chambers. The officer’s actions were consistent with the officer’s training and USCP policies and procedures."

Before the administrative investigation began, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced it would not pursue criminal charges after the case was investigated by their office and the Metropolitan Police Department.