This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
A settlement "in principle" has been reached in a lawsuit against the government brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was shot and killed by police during the Jan. 6, 2021, protest at the U.S. Capitol
At a hearing on Friday, Department of Justice Lawyer Joseph Gonzalez and Robert Sticht, representing Babbitt's husband, Aaron, confirmed the settlement was in process, but neither revealed exact terms or whether there would be monetary compensation for the shooting by police officer Michael Byrd.
The action had sought $30 million in damages.
Byrd shot and killed Babbitt as she was part of a group of protesters who had entered the Capitol and ended up near the House chamber.
A report at WUSA said details still were being negotiated.
The lawsuit charged wrongful death and cited the Federal Tort Claims Act.
It charged Byrd "had negligently discharged his firearm and failed to warn Babbitt or de-escalate the situation. The suit also alleged negligence on the part of other officers near the Speaker's Lobby at the time of the shooting as well as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Capitol Police Board in failing to properly train Byrd in tactical decision-making."
Babbitt was an Air Force veteran but was killed during the protests that day.
The report explained, "The hearing Friday was called in response to an emergency filing by attorney Terrell N. Roberts III, who was previously retained by Aaron Babbitt to pursue a $10 million wrongful death suit. Roberts said he'd learned of the impending settlement and sought a temporary restraining order to ensure he will receive a 25% cut of any funds he says he's owed from his prior agreement with Aaron Babbitt."
The report said Roberts had worked on the case, then terminated his representation.
