'Despicable': Critics outraged after Ashli Babbitt's family awarded $5 million from Trump
AlterNetMAY 21
Trump Admin to Pay $5M in Capitol Riot Death Settlement
Above:Â Micki Witthoeft, mother of Ashli Babbitt, protests outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 6, 2023, in Washington, DC. Â Image copyright:Â Tasos Katopodis/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This payout is a grave miscarriage of justice and sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage future violent protests and demoralize officers who risk their lives to defend democratic institutions. It sends a chilling message to law enforcement and undermines their ability to maintain order.
Republican narrative
This settlement acknowledges the excessive and unnecessary use of lethal force against an unarmed veteran who posed no immediate threat. The plainclothes officer failed to issue proper warnings or attempt de-escalation before resorting to deadly force, violating standard police protocols and Babbitt's constitutional rights.