stock here: This has never been NEWS anywhere, and it needs to be.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C. does investigate officer-involved shootings that occur within its jurisdiction, including those involving federal law enforcement officers. However, in the case of Lt. Michael Byrd, who shot Ashli Babbitt during the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, the investigation was conducted by multiple agencies:
Who Investigated the Shooting of Ashli Babbitt?
The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP)
Byrd was an officer with USCP, which is separate from MPD.
USCP has its own internal investigation procedures.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
MPD did review the shooting, but their role was limited to a procedural investigation as part of the city's standard officer-involved shooting review.
The Department of Justice (DOJ)
The DOJ, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C., conducted a formal investigation.
In April 2021, the DOJ announced no charges would be filed against Byrd, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove he acted unlawfully.
The House and Senate Security Committees
Various Congressional committees reviewed security failures but did not conduct a criminal investigation into Byrd’s actions.Was Byrd Promoted?
Reports indicate that Michael Byrd was later promoted to captain in the U.S. Capitol Police.
Some critics argue that he was rewarded despite controversy over the shooting.
Supporters of the decision say he acted within the rules of engagement to protect members of Congress.Is MPD Ultimately Responsible?
No, because MPD does not have direct authority over the U.S. Capitol Police.
MPD's role was limited to reviewing the incident, while DOJ and USCP handled the formal investigation.Conclusion
Yes, MPD typically investigates shootings, but in federal cases, their role is often secondary. The primary responsibility for Byrd’s investigation rested with the Capitol Police and the DOJ, not MPD.
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Additionally, Loudermilk said internal Capitol Police discipline records about Byrd have gone missing.
Loudermilk asked Manger numerous of questions about Byrd, who was promoted to captain last year. He also sought a slew of records, including Byrd’s communications on Capitol Police devices. He seeks responses by Dec. 4.
Loudermilk questioned whether Byrd was receiving favorable treatment by the Capitol Police, given that he was promoted to captain amidst numerous scandals. Byrd and his pet were also allowed to stay in a “Distinguished Visitor Suite” at the “Presidential Inn” from July 8, 2021, through January 28, 2022—at a heavy cost to the taxpayers.
“While I recognize that many of the concerning incidents related to Captain Byrd occurred before you became Chief of Police, Captain Byrd did receive significant favorable treatment by USCP after you became Chief of Police in 2021,” Loudermilk said to Manger.
Meanwhile, Babbitt’s widower, Aaron Babbitt, has an outstanding lawsuit against the U.S. government over Ashli’s death.
Babbitt, a 14-year Air Force veteran, was shot and killed by then-Lt. Byrd while crawling through a window in the Capitol building during the Jan. 6 protests.
Byrd has claimed that he acted with “the utmost courage” and “saved countless lives.”
However, earlier records obtained by Judicial Watch found that other officers at the scene did not see a weapon in Babbitt’s hands prior to the shooting and that they did not hear Byrd issue any verbal commands prior to the shooting. Lt. Byrd later confessed that he shot Ashli before seeing her hands or assessing her intentions or even identifying her as female.