The U. S. Capitol Police union leader criticized the department for giving special financial and other benefits to Capt. Michael Byrd, the officer who killed Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 protest. Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou expressed that this treatment is unfair to other officers who were present that day. Reports indicated that under pressure from House Democratic leaders, the Capitol Police provided Byrd with a $37,000 retention bonus, support for private fundraising of $160,000, housing assistance, and a promotion to captain, which far exceeded what other officers received.
Papathanasiou stated that Byrd should either repay the extra money or all officers should receive the same bonuses. He questioned what made Byrd deserving of such special treatment. A lawyer for Byrd and Capitol Police representatives did not respond to requests for comments. Internal communications showed that Byrd was not satisfied with the assistance he received and sought additional benefits from a memorial fund for wounded officers.
Byrd, who was promoted to captain in 2023, has a controversial work history, including several disciplinary incidents. Chairman Barry Loudermilk of the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee commented on the inappropriate political influence affecting Byrd's favorable treatment, expressing concerns over transparency and political interference within the Capitol Police. Papathanasiou called for an investigation into the department's leadership to uncover any further cover-ups.
Tom Fitton from Judicial Watch, representing Babbitt’s family in a $30 million lawsuit against the U. S. government, stated that Byrd should not have had a firearm due to his history and criticized the lack of transparency following the shooting. Fitton emphasized that Byrd, who was not put on administrative leave, was actually paid during his absence from work. In Byrd's only interview, he defended his decision to use his firearm, claiming Babbitt posed a threat, although he later acknowledged she was unarmed.
An internal investigation found Byrd's actions lawful and consistent with department policy, and he faced no internal discipline for the shooting incident.
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