Headline RoundupAugust 23rd, 2021

Capitol Police Says Officer Who Shot Ashli Babbitt Acted Lawfully

Summary from the AllSides News Team

The Capitol Police officer who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot acted lawfully and “potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death,” U.S. Capitol Police said Monday. “USCP's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) determined the officer's conduct was lawful and within Department policy, which says an officer may use deadly force only when the officer reasonably believes that action is in the defense of human life,” the department said. USCP did not release the name of the officer, who had received “numerous credible and specific threats.”

Coverage was generally balanced, with coverage across the spectrum mentioning that Babbitt was an Air Force veteran. Coverage in some right-rated outlets focused more on Babbitt by including photos of her and discussing her family’s plan to sue the officer who shot her. 

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