Prosecutors: No charges for officer in Capitol riot shooting

Apr 14, 2021, 11:40 AM | Updated: Dec 29, 2022, 12:16 pm

panel insuurection...

FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, violent rioters storm the Capitol, in Washington. New details from the deadly riot of Jan. 6 are contained in a previously undisclosed document prepared by the Pentagon for internal use that was obtained by the Associated Press and vetted by current and former government officials. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors will not charge a police officer who shot and killed a woman as she climbed through the broken part of a door during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Authorities had considered for months whether criminal charges were appropriate for the Capitol Police officer who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt, 35, an Air Force veteran from San Diego. The Justice Department’s decision, though expected, officially closes out the investigation.

Prosecutors said they had reviewed video of the shooting, along with statements from the officer involved and other officers and witnesses, examined physical evidence from the scene and reviewed the autopsy results.

“Based on that investigation, officials determined that there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution,” the department said in a statement.

Video clips posted online depict Babbitt, wearing a stars and stripes backpack, stepping up and beginning to go through the waist-high opening of an area of the Capitol known as the Speaker’s Lobby when a gunshot is heard. She falls backward. Another video shows other unidentified people attempting to lift Babbitt up. She can be seen slumping back to the ground.

Babbitt is one of five people who died in or outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, including a police officer. Three other people died of medical emergencies.

The Justice Department does not bring criminal charges in most police shootings it investigates in part because of the high burden for prosecution. Criminal charges were not expected in this case because videos of the shooting show Babbitt encroaching into a prohibited space, and second-guessing the actions of an officer during the violent and chaotic day would have been a challenge.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Migrating swans fly in a Utah waterfowl management area. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)...

Mariah Maynes

Migrating swans will soon soar through Utah, here are 3 places you can see them

As warmer weather approaches, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends three areas to view migrating swans.

4 minutes ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Heather Peterson

Chlorine smell and taste plaguing Weber Basin water supply

Two weekends ago, the rain that hit the frozen Wasatch Back brought naturally-occurring organic materials into the Weber Basin Watershed.

1 hour ago

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe will be retiring after the 2024-25 athletics season....

Mitch Harper, KSL Sports

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe to retire after 2024-25 season

PROVO, Utah – It’s the end of an era for BYU athletics as Tom Holmoe is set to retire after the 2024-25 season. Holmoe announced the decision on Tuesday. The former BYU football defensive back has been BYU’s athletic director for 20 years. BYU’s athletic season concludes this May. Breaking: BYU announces that AD Tom Holmoe […]

2 hours ago

Police lights in Salt Lake City....

Mariah Maynes

Multi-vehicle crash causing heavy delays in Lehi

A multi-vehicle car crash is causing significant delays on I-15 southbound in Lehi.

2 hours ago

Huntsville, in Weber County, Utah, is pictured on Oct. 6, 2021. A delivery driver died Tuesday, a d...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Officials identify delivery driver killed after being crushed by vehicle near Huntsville

The woman worked for a third-party company contracting with the Postal Service and was using her own vehicle, Weber County officials said.

3 hours ago

four-day school week...

Don Brinkerhoff

Could a 4-day school week be in the works for rural Utah?

A proposed bill would allow some schools to transition to a four-day school week. The bill's sponsor said the bill would help rural areas.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Prosecutors: No charges for officer in Capitol riot shooting