Investigators Recommend Capitol Cop Accused Of Killing Pro-Trump Rioter Not To Be Charged

Investigators have recommended that no charges be brought against a US Capitol Police officer who shot a pro-Trump rioter during the Capitol riots.

Ashli Babbitt, from San Diego, California, was among the hoards of MAGA supporters who stormed the Capitol building on January 6 in a bid to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory.

However, as a crowd of rioters pushed their way through the entrance to the Speaker's Lobby, Babbitt was shot in the neck by a police officer and, despite receiving medical attention, she later died in hospital from her injuries.

Footage shared online showed the moment Babbit was shot as thousands of Trump fans and voters made their way up to the Capitol building.

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Following Babbit's death, an investigation was carried out by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, with the Justice Department officials likely to make their final decision in the coming days.

Two witnesses of the shooting - left-wing activist John Sullivan and filmmaker Jade Sacker - told CNN that Babbitt was shot as she attempted to enter via a smashed window in the building.

"The second that she climbed through the window she got shot right in the neck area, fell backwards. I just remember the sense of shock and sorrow that somebody just died and did not need to die," Sullivan said.

A spokesperson for DC's Metropolitan Police Department said in an email to CNN that 'it is irresponsible to make an investigatory assumption or to jump to any conclusion without completing the thorough investigation.'

The husband of the 14-year veteran, who was not named, previously spoke to KUSI News and paid tribute to his wife following her death.

He said: "She was a strong supporter of President Trump and was a great patriot to all who knew her."

Capitol

Babitt's mother, Michelle Witthoeft, previously told CNN she was devastated to learn of her daughter's death.

"I loved and admired her greatly," she said.

"She served this country boldly and proudly."

Babbitt was a Trump supporter who held strong political views and 'passionate enough to die for what she believed in,' according to her mother.

Three other people also died from 'medical emergencies' during the insurrection, while a police officer also was killed after sustaining injuries while fending off protestors.

At the current time, at least 135 people have been arrested following their involvement in the riots.

Topics: News, US Politics

Jessica Lynch

@jesskalynch