Mike Byrd, Capitol Police Officer who killed Ashli Babbitt, shot at passing cars outside his home - more...

Washington, DC - Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the U.S. Capitol Police officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt during the January 6th insurrection, has come under scrutiny for a checkered history of conduct issues spanning decades. Reports have surfaced detailing a series of disciplinary actions and controversies surrounding Byrd's tenure with the Capitol Police.

In 2001, Byrd was found to have abandoned his post, where he was tasked with guarding the Speaker's Office, to engage in a card game. Despite clear video evidence of his absence and subsequent dishonesty during the investigation, recommendations for his dismissal were not followed, and he remained on the force. This incident is just one in a long list of misconduct allegations against Byrd.

Financial improprieties have also marked Byrd's record. In the aftermath of the Capitol riot, Byrd received a payment of $36,000 from a fund designated for Capitol Police officers injured on January 6th, an amount significantly higher than that received by his colleagues, which was around $3,000. Despite this, Byrd reportedly sought additional compensation, raising questions about his financial dealings.

Byrd's personal financial situation has also drawn attention. He has been accused of neglecting to pay tens of thousands in taxes and has amassed over $1.2 million in debt, which he managed to settle for just $14,000. This financial mismanagement paints a troubling picture of his personal responsibility.

Byrd was reported to have discharged his firearm at vehicles passing near his home, later providing a dubious claim that the vehicles were attempting to run him over, a narrative met with skepticism given the lack of corroborating evidence.

His disciplinary history includes a week-long suspension in 2015 after an altercation at a high school football game where he verbally assaulted a Montgomery County police officer, using offensive language. Additionally, in 2019, Byrd faced a 33-day suspension after leaving his loaded service weapon in a bathroom at the Capitol Visitor Center, an oversight that could have had severe consequences if not for the weapon being discovered by another individual.

These incidents collectively raise significant questions about the oversight and accountability of law enforcement officers, particularly those in sensitive positions like those at the U.S. Capitol. The controversies surrounding Lt. Michael Byrd not only cast a shadow over his actions on January 6th but also highlight systemic issues within the ranks of those sworn to protect one of America's most critical institutions.

__________

Following the shooting of Ashli Babbitt during the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot, U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd was promoted to the rank of Captain. This promotion came in August 2023, despite his controversial history with the department, which included multiple instances of disciplinary issues and investigations over the years.

__________

Washington, DC - January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol: Lieutenant Michael Byrd of the U.S. Capitol Police fatally shot Ashli Babbitt, a participant in the Capitol protest, as she attempted to climb through a broken window into the Speaker's Lobby.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and Trump supporter, was part of a crowd that had breached the Capitol building in an attempt to protest the certification of the 2020 Presidential election results.

Accounts from that day describe Babbitt trying to enter the House chamber through a door where the glass had been shattered by rioters. As she climbed through the window, Lt. Byrd, positioned behind the door, fired a single shot, striking Babbitt. She succumbed to her injuries shortly afterward.

The shooting of Babbitt has since become a flashpoint in discussions about the use of force by law enforcement, especially in politically charged environments. After the incident, Lt. Byrd was placed on administrative leave pending investigations by both the U.S. Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

Internal investigations concluded that Byrd's actions were lawful and within Capitol Police policy, with officials stating that his actions "potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters."

However, Byrd's decision to use lethal force has been met with significant criticism. Some have labeled the shooting as an "execution" or an "assassination," with figures like former President Donald Trump questioning the justification and calling for further investigation. These sentiments are echoed across various social media platforms where posts often describe Byrd as responsible for Babbitt's death in stark terms.

In an exclusive interview, Byrd defended his actions, stating he used force as a "last resort" after rioters ignored his commands to stop. He emphasized the dire situation, noting that there was no way to retreat and that he was protecting members of Congress who were just steps away from where the breach was occurring.

The incident has raised questions about police training, the rules of engagement during protests, and the accountability of law enforcement in high-stakes situations. The debate continues to fuel discussions on the legal, ethical, and tactical aspects of policing during civil unrest.

Babbitt's family, dissatisfied with the official findings, expressed intentions to file a civil lawsuit against the Capitol Police, arguing that Ashli Babbitt was unarmed and did not pose an immediate threat. This case has become emblematic of broader issues concerning law enforcement practices and the political polarization in the United States.