Capitol Police officer who killed Ashli Babbitt on January 6 speaks publicly for first time: I know that day I saved countless lives – WTOP

The veteran US Capitol Police officer who killed pro-Trump rioter Ashli Babbitt went public Thursday, revealing his identity and defending his actions on January 6.

The veteran US Capitol Police officer who killed pro-Trump rioter Ashli Babbitt went public Thursday, revealing his identity and defending his actions on January 6.

I know that day I saved countless lives, Lt. Michael Byrd said in an interview with NBC Nightly News. I know members of Congress, as well as my fellow officers and staff, were in jeopardy and in serious danger. And thats my job.

The officer fatally shot Babbitt in the shoulder while she climbed through a window that led into the Speakers Lobby, adjacent to the House chamber, while lawmakers were evacuating.

I tried to wait as long as I could, Byrd said of the incident in the doorway. I hoped and prayed no one tried to enter through those doors. But their failure to comply required me to take the appropriate action to save the lives of members of Congress and myself and my fellow officers.

The Justice Department said in April that Byrd wouldnt be criminally charged in connection with Babbitts death, and the US Capitol Police said last week that he wouldnt face any internal discipline. He could still face civil litigation from Babbitts family, which has threatened a lawsuit.

A Washington native who has been in law enforcement for 28 years, Byrd said he followed his training and repeatedly yelled at the mob, telling them to stop their advance toward the House chamber.

He said he was taking a tactical stance with his gun drawn while the mob approached. Youre ultimately hoping that your commands would be complied with. Unfortunately, they were not.

In the seven months since the insurrection, former President Donald Trump and his allies have attempted to frame a narrative around Babbitts death and turned her into a martyr in right-wing circles.

Trump said Babbitt, a QAnon supporter and Air Force veteran, was an innocent, wonderful, incredible woman. During a Fox News interview, Trump also falsely accused the officer of shooting Babbitt in the head. Republican lawmakers also peddled misleading claims about the incident, claiming Byrd was lying in wait to kill Babbitt and executed her in cold blood.

In the interview with NBC Nightly News, Byrd said Trumps comments were disheartening, and denied that he acted out of political animus. He protected Trump during his presidency when he visited the Capitol.

I hope they understand I did my job, Byrd said of the Republicans whove criticized him. There was imminent threat and danger to the members of Congress. I just want the truth to be told.

Many of the conspiracies have been fueled by the lack of transparency from Capitol Police and the investigators who reviewed the incident. Byrd spoke out on his own accord and has never been named by any government entity, even though its common in many jurisdictions for police departments to publicly release the names of officers who are involved in fatal shootings.

Uncertainty about Byrds identity created a new rallying cry who shot Ashli Babbitt? which Trump has brought up at recent rallies. Byrds name has been floating around right-wing websites, and he said in the at-times emotional interview Thursday that he and his family have received death threats, including racist threats.

They talked about killing me, cutting off my head, said Byrd.

In interviews with CNN earlier this year, Babbitts family said she was patriotic and was at the Capitol to express her First Amendment right and to answer the call of a still-sitting President.

The family says its considering a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Byrd, and theyve already filed a civil lawsuit seeking records and other information from the police about the incident.

Their lawyer, Terry Roberts, said in an interview with Zenger News that he believed Byrd was unfit to serve or carry a gun in the Capitol. He also condemned the US Capitol Police for never publicly naming Byrd, which he claimed without evidence was kept secret because Byrd is Black.

The US Congress wants to protect this man. Hes got friends in high places and they want to protect him, Roberts said in the interview. And theyve done a pretty good job of it. I dont think its a proud moment for the US Capitol Police or the US Congress.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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Capitol Police officer who killed Ashli Babbitt on January 6 speaks publicly for first time: I know that day I saved countless lives - WTOP