President Donald Trump is considering offering financial aid to those punished by the Biden administration after the Jan. 6 protests and is reviewing the circumstances of Ashli Babbitt’s death at the hands of Capitol Police.
Babbitt’s shooting remains one of the most controversial moments from that day. Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest she was not a threat when she was shot by officer Michael Byrd.
BREAKING: Trump announced an investigation into the cop who m*rdered Ashli Babbitt.
He needs to face a jury!pic.twitter.com/vardjFU5kE
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 26, 2025
Trump called Babbitt a “Trump fan” and said she had been trying to prevent chaos, not create it. He expressed frustration that the officer behind her death not only avoided punishment but was promoted and given taxpayer-funded perks.
Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have called for charges against Byrd. They point to his history of misconduct, including a 2019 incident where he left his gun in a public restroom.
In addition to possible disciplinary action against Byrd, Trump is exploring ways to compensate the more than 1,500 individuals he pardoned after taking office again in January.
Some had been jailed for years while awaiting trial, while others lost jobs, housing or custody of children after being labeled threats by the government.
The Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi is reviewing dozens of cases for possible further action.
Babbitt’s family has also taken legal steps, filing a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit against the government. Trump said he was unaware of the suit but is now reviewing it closely.
