Former President Donald Trump called for justice for Ashli Babbitt, the woman who was fatally shot while rioting at the U.S. Capitol, in a video message taped for her birthday.
“It is my great honor to address each of you gathered today to cherish the memory of Ashli Babbitt, a truly incredible person,” Trump said in the clip, which was reportedly played at a gathering of Babbitt’s friends and family on Sunday (Oct. 10) in Freeport, Texas.
“On that horrible day of Jan. 6, Ashli arrived at the United States Capitol. She was shot and tragically killed,” he continued. “Today would have been her birthday. Happy birthday, Ashli.”
The former president further demanded justice for Babbitt, including “a fair and nonpartisan investigation” into her death.
“Together we grieve her terrible loss. There was no reason Ashli should have lost her life that day,” he said. “We must all demand justice for Ashli and her family.”
“I offer my unwavering support to Ashli’s family and call on the Department of Justice to reopen its investigation into her death on Jan. 6,” he added. “Like all Americans, you deserve a fair process. You deserve answers and you deserve justice.”
Lt. Michael Byrd, the Capitol Police officer who shot and killed Babbitt, was previously cleared of all wrongdoing by the Justice Department and the Capitol Police. In April, federal prosecutors announced that he would not face any charges in the shooting.
“I know that day I saved countless lives,” he said during an interview with NBC News. “I know members of Congress, as well as my fellow officers and staff, were in jeopardy and in serious danger. And that’s my job.”
See Trump’s video below.