In a powerful statement during a televised interview, President Donald Trump paid tribute to Ashli Babbitt and confirmed that his administration is exploring compensation for individuals wrongly targeted after the Jan. 6 protests.
Babbitt, a 36-year-old veteran, was killed by Capitol Police officer Michael Byrd. Trump described her as a “really good person” who had been trying to de-escalate the situation before she was shot.
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
Records show that Byrd has a questionable track record, including being suspended in 2019 for leaving a loaded gun unattended. He was also caught lying during a separate internal investigation and received bonuses and security support following Babbitt’s death.
Trump said that Byrd’s record will be thoroughly reviewed by his administration. He said the officer’s behavior deserved further scrutiny, especially in light of the government’s protection and reward of him.
On the issue of compensation for Jan. 6 defendants, Trump said it is being discussed within his administration. “I took care of them. I said I was going to and I did,” he said, referring to the mass pardons issued after his inauguration.
One of the pardoned individuals is now a federal prosecutor in Washington and has been vocal in calling for compensation for others who were mistreated.
The former president noted that many of those jailed never even entered the Capitol. Trump emphasized that they had been “treated horribly” by federal authorities under President Joe Biden.
Babbitt’s mother, Micki Witthoeft, has been outspoken in her support of Trump and his efforts to seek justice for her daughter and others punished over the Jan. 6 protests.
