Ashli Babbitt's Shooter Unlikely To Face Charges: Reports

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Capitol Police lieutenant who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt, a San Diego woman who was among rioters attempting to breach the U.S. Capitol last month, may not be criminally charged, according to multiple reports.

A preliminary investigation did not find enough evidence to charge the officer, The New York Times reported Monday. Officials told the newspaper that the Metropolitan Police Department had not completed its investigation.

An official recommendation has not been made to federal prosecutors in Washington, the Times reported.

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Babbitt was shot attempting to access the broken window of a door to the Speaker's Lobby on Jan. 6. On the other side of that door was the House chamber, where members of Congress sheltered in place.

Video footage sent to The Washington Post showed the moment the 35-year-old woman attempted to bust down the door separating a mob of raucous Trump supporters from lawmakers. As she climbed up toward the mangled door, the lieutenant shot her, the Post reported.

Five people died during the insurrection of the Capitol.

After Babbit was shot, medial assistance was rendered "immediately," according to Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund. She was declared dead at a hospital.

The officer, who hasn't been identified, was placed on administrative leave, per department policy, and the officer's police powers were suspended, Sund said in a statement.

"These mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior," Sund said. "The actions of the USCP officers were heroic given the situation they faced, and I continue to have tremendous respect in the professionalism and dedication of the women and men of the United States Capitol Police. "

Babbitt was a 14-year Air Force veteran.