A Capitol Police officer who shot and killed a woman while responding to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol will not be charged for the fatal shooting.
According to the Associated Press, federal prosecutors made the decision after reviewing video of the shooting of 35-year-old Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt as well as statements from those involved, physical evidence of the scene and autopsy results.
“Based on that investigation, officials determined that there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution,” the Department of Justice said in a statement.
As previously reported by REVOLT, Babbitt was attempting to climb through a window and make her into the House chambers where lawmakers were hiding when she was shot.
She reportedly received immediate medical assistance but ultimately died at a nearby hospital after succumbing to her injuries.
The officer was placed on administrative leave, and her police powers were suspended while the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and US Capitol Police conducted a joint investigation.
Babbitt was one of five people who died at the Capitol siege that saw hundreds of Trump supporters forcing their way into the U.S. Capitol with hopes of blocking the certification of the Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election.
Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed and passed away at a hospital a day after responding to the riots. Upon further investigation, authorities — who initially believed he was struck with a fire extinguisher — came across footage that showed assailants using bear spray against the late cop. Police later realized that the ingestion of the chemical substance could have resulted in Sicknick’s death. George Tanios of West Virginia and Julian Khater of Pennsylvania were arrested and charged for assaulting him.
Trump supporters Kevin Greeson and Benjamin Phillips died of natural causes from cardiovascular disease, and Roseanne Boyland passed away from acute amphetamine intoxication.