US officer exonerated after killing Trump supporter storming Capitol
An American officer has been exonerated after shooting dead a supporter of former President Donald Trump’s at the the US Capitol on Jan. 6, when angry protesters stormed the premises to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.
Capitol Police said in a statement that the unidentified officer will not face disciplinary action after an internal probe into the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt.
The agency argued that the officer “potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters who forced their way into the US Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and staff were steps away,”
The 35-year-old was shot and killed that day while trying to break into the House chamber through a window, during a protest incited by the former president after a loss at the 2020 presidential election.
“USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) determined the officer’s conduct was lawful and within Department policy, which says 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=ny person in immediate danger of serious physical injury,” Capitol Police said in a statement.
The Capitol Police described itself as a protector of “democratic process,” which Trump supporters were about to disrupt as lawmakers were busy certifying Biden's victory.
“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.”
Trump, who never conceded to now President Joe Biden, has previously praised Babbitt asserting that the unnamed officer had “no reason” to shoot her.
“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,” the agency said.
Democrats have accused Trump supporters of insurrection by storming the Congress after the former president officially lost the November vote.
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