Officer Who Killed Ashli Babbitt Faced Previous Disciplinary Actions

The U.S. Capitol Police lieutenant who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 Capitol riot has faced scrutiny over a prior incident in 2001, where he abandoned his post for a card game and later lied to investigators, according to a Blaze News report. Michael L. Byrd, 56, has a documented history of disciplinary issues that raise questions about his suitability for his role and his controversial promotion to captain in 2023.

The 2001 investigation revealed that Byrd, then assigned to guard the Speaker’s Office, left his post during his break to play cards in a nearby cloakroom. This action left the Speaker’s Office unattended, an issue flagged by a passing sergeant. Internal Affairs charged Byrd with abandoning his post, eating and drinking while on duty, and making untruthful statements—a terminable offense. Despite the recommendations for termination, Capitol Police leadership chose not to dismiss him.

Evidence included surveillance footage and witness testimonies that contradicted Byrd’s denials. Investigators reportedly confronted Byrd with their findings, but he continued to refute the allegations. Ultimately, while the charges were sustained, the department’s administration opted not to terminate him, creating a precedent that some critics believe emboldened further misconduct.

Records of Byrd’s 2001 disciplinary case, along with two others, were reportedly unavailable when requested by a House oversight subcommittee in early 2024. A source familiar with Capitol Police procedures claimed such documentation would typically exist in multiple formats, suggesting the records were either misplaced or intentionally withheld.

This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) expressed concerns about Byrd’s promotion in light of his checkered past, which includes additional disciplinary incidents disclosed in November 2024.

Following the January 6 shooting, Byrd received significant financial and logistical support. Congressional investigators revealed that top Democrats collaborated with Capitol Police to provide Byrd with substantial benefits. These included $36,000 as a “retention bonus,” $21,000 for security upgrades at his home, and $35,000 for lodging at Joint Base Andrews. Additionally, he was provided with a protective detail costing $425 per hour.

Emails uncovered by investigators indicate that Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, expressed a desire to ensure Byrd was “taken care of.” This assistance came amidst increasing scrutiny over Byrd’s actions on January 6, as well as longstanding questions about his professionalism.

Byrd’s career includes multiple other disciplinary actions:

• Weapon Misuse: In 2004, Byrd fired his weapon at fleeing vehicles, providing inaccurate statements that were later contradicted by evidence.
• Gun Negligence: In 2019, Byrd left his loaded service weapon unattended in a Capitol bathroom for nearly an hour, resulting in a 33-day suspension without pay.
• Unprofessional Conduct: Byrd was suspended in 2015 for berating a fellow officer at a high school football game, using offensive language.
• Financial Problems: Byrd’s financial record includes two bankruptcy filings and a $56,000 tax lien, raising further questions about his fitness for leadership roles.

The January 6 incident catapulted Byrd into the national spotlight after he shot and killed Babbitt, who was attempting to breach the Speaker’s Lobby. The shooting was deemed justified by the Justice Department, but the decision remains polarizing. Critics argue Byrd’s history of misconduct undermines public confidence in his judgment.

In the aftermath, Capitol Police explored ways to avoid a fitness-for-duty evaluation for Byrd, fearing a negative outcome could disqualify him from carrying a service weapon. Emails revealed internal deliberations about providing Byrd with mental health assistance without initiating formal evaluations.

Reports of preferential treatment for Byrd have sparked discontent among Capitol Police officers. Rumors of a potential $400,000 payment from the Officers Memorial Fund to Byrd were met with backlash. While the payment was ultimately not approved, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $164,000 for Byrd, with prominent donations from lawmakers like Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.).

As investigations into Byrd’s past continue, his actions and the department’s handling of his career remain under intense scrutiny. Lawmakers and the public alike are calling for greater accountability and transparency within the Capitol Police, particularly concerning officers with troubling records. Byrd’s case serves as a critical test of institutional integrity in the face of political and public pressures.