Capitol Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Ashli Babbitt Speaks Publicly for the First Time

“My name is Michael Byrd. I’m the lieutenant for the United States Capitol Police,” the officer who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 Capitol riot said in an interview with NBC News, speaking out about that day for the first time. 

Thursday’s interview was the first time his identity was known publicly.

Babbitt, a Trump supporter and Air Force veteran, was shot and killed on January 6. Babbitt and others were “attempting to breach a barricaded door inside the Capitol building,” as The Washington Post reports. The publication adds, “As she climbed up toward a broken section of the unguarded door, Babbitt was shot by an officer on the other side.”

Speaking to NBC News’s Lester Holt in an interview that aired Thursday evening, Byrd said, “I know that day I saved countless lives. 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.”

Recalling the events of the day, the officer said Babbitt was “posing a threat to the United States Capitol” and the rioters were not complying with commands. He also said that he did not know if Babbitt had a weapon on her. 

Additionally, Byrd said, “Once we barricaded the doors, we were essentially trapped where we were. There was no way to retreat. No other way to get out.”

“If they get through that door, they’re into the House chamber and upon the members of