A $30 million wrongful death lawsuit concerning Ashli Babbitt, who was shot during the January 6th Capitol riots, is set to go to trial on July 20, 2026.
At a Glance
- A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family against the U.S. government will go to trial on July 20, 2026.
- U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes set the trial date after both parties indicated that the original 2025 timeline would be challenging.
- The parties initially requested a pretrial schedule extending into 2027, but Reyes rejected this as “unacceptable.”
- The lawsuit alleges U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd was negligent in shooting Babbitt; an internal investigation found he acted lawfully.
- The family seeks $30 million in damages.
Trial Date Set for 2026
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes has set July 20, 2026, as the trial date for the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashli Babbitt’s family against the United States government. The decision follows comprehensive back-and-forth between the involved parties, who originally requested a pretrial schedule extending into late 2027. Judge Reyes, however, deemed the prolonged timeline “unacceptable.”
The proposed trial dates initially extended due to expected extensive discovery. Both parties expressed concerns over hindrances in evidence collection from law enforcement and witnesses. Judge Reyes, emphasizing efficiency, warned, “This case is not going to turn into a discovery quagmire.”
Discovery into the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt is commencing. The court today also set a date of July 20, 2026 for trial in Ashli's wrongful death lawsuit. @JudicialWatch moving full speed ahead for Ashli's family. https://t.co/Lw5l8hqsl1
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) September 20, 2024
Incident Background
Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots as she attempted to climb through a barricaded door. The family’s lawsuit alleges negligence, while internal investigations concluded Byrd’s actions were lawful and within self-defense protocols given the imminent threat perceived during the chaotic scene.
The legal and political ramifications of this trial are substantial, given the context in which Babbitt’s death occurred. Judicial Watch, representing Babbitt’s estate and her husband Aaron Babbitt, has persistently pursued the case, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
Judge sets trial in Ashli Babbitt wrongful death lawsuit for 2026 https://t.co/1k3nKx4jNd
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) September 20, 2024
Discovery and Pretrial Issues
The lawsuit was discussed during a status hearing where it became clear that discovery would be protracted. Both sides have raised concerns about the scope and nature of evidence collection, leading to requests for a magistrate judge to mediate discovery disputes. Judge Reyes urged both parties to resolve issues expediently, marking another step toward a quicker resolution.
“You guys are going to work things out. You’re not going to bring any discovery dispute to me, and if one of you decides that you’re going to ignore me for the second time, you had better have the best argument you’ve ever had in your entire life,” said the judge.
The government’s concerns include potential broadening of the case into a larger inquiry on January 6 events, while Babbitt’s legal representatives fear factual constraints intended to limit liability. This underscores the high stakes and complexities surrounding this trial, making the mid-2026 date both critical and contentious.
