Former President Donald Trump called on the Department of Justice to reopen its investigation into the death of Ashli Babbitt, a woman who was killed during the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump sent Babbitt’s family a video message over the weekend while they celebrated what would have been her 36th birthday.
Calling Babbitt a “truly incredible person,” Trump continued, “To Ashli’s family and friends, please know that her memory will live on in our hearts for all time.”
He noted Babbitt served in the United States Air Force for 14 years, adding, “She was a security forces airman and eventually went on to achieve the rank of senior airman. She defended our nation overseas including in Iraq to fight in the war on terror.”
Trump mentioned how Babbitt was shot and killed on January 6 at the Capitol. He went on to wish her a happy birthday.
The former president also said he spoke to both Babbitt’s husband and her mother.
“There was no reason Ashli should’ve lost her life that day. We must all demand justice for Ashli and her family,” Trump said.
He added, “So on this solemn occasion as we celebrate her life, we renew our call for a fair and nonpartisan investigation into the death of Ashli Babbitt. 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.”
Watch the video below:
Ashlii Babbitt’s family held an event today on her birthday, and Trump actually sent them a video message. This .. is … unbelievable. “There was no reason Ashlii should have lost her life that day. We must all demand justice for Ashlii and her family.” pic.twitter.com/DpRMhkgCVa
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 10, 2021
Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who shot Babbitt, spoke out about the incident during an NBC News interview in August.
“I know that day I saved countless lives,” Byrd said. “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.”
When asked why he pulled the trigger, Byrd called it a “last resort.”
He continued, “I tried to wait as long as I could. I hoped and prayed no one tried to enter through those doors. But their failure to comply required me to take the appropriate action to save the lives of members of Congress and myself and my fellow officers.”
The Justice Department announced in August an internal investigation cleared Byrd of any wrongdoing in shooting of Babbitt.