Dwain Northey (Gen X)

The recent actions of the current administration regarding the January 6 Capitol riot have sparked widespread controversy and outrage. Notably, the administration has partnered with individuals imprisoned for their involvement in the riot and agreed to a nearly $5 million settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot during the events.

Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and staunch Trump supporter, was among the rioters attempting to breach the Capitol on January 6, 2021. She was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd while trying to enter the Speaker’s Lobby. The incident was widely publicized, and Babbitt’s death has since been portrayed by some as a martyrdom, fueling further division and controversy. Despite investigations concluding that the officer acted in defense of lawmakers under threat, the current administration has agreed to a settlement of nearly $5 million with Babbitt’s family, a move that has been met with criticism from various quarters. 

Additionally, the administration has taken steps to partner with individuals imprisoned for their roles in the January 6 riot. This includes granting clemency to over 1,500 individuals convicted of offenses related to the Capitol attack, a decision that has been described by critics as an unprecedented and dangerous use of executive power. Legal scholars and former prosecutors have expressed concerns that these actions undermine the justice system and may encourage future political violence. 

These developments have raised alarms about the administration’s approach to the events of January 6 and its implications for the rule of law. Critics argue that by partnering with those involved in the riot and compensating the family of a rioter, the administration is rewriting history and sending a message that such actions are acceptable. This has further deepened the political divide and eroded trust in the institutions meant to uphold justice and democracy.