New evidence suggests House Democrats pressured the U.S. Capitol Police to provide extensive benefits to Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who shot Ashli Babbitt during the Jan. 6 protests. Emails obtained by Just the News reveal Byrd received financial and professional perks unavailable to other officers involved in the events.
Byrd was awarded a $37,000 retention bonus, over $21,000 in security upgrades, and support through a GoFundMe campaign that raised $164,000. This level of assistance far surpassed what was given to officers injured during the protests. Records show aides to prominent Democratic leaders, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), advocated for these measures.
Despite the support, Byrd voiced dissatisfaction, describing the assistance as inadequate and accusing Capitol Police officials of unfair treatment. “This is blatantly wrong,” Byrd wrote in one email, expressing frustration over delays in accessing charitable funds.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who is leading a probe into the matter, criticized the favoritism shown to Byrd. “This wasn’t about supporting all officers equally. Byrd received extraordinary benefits that others did not,” Loudermilk stated. Byrd’s 2023 promotion to captain, despite his disciplinary history, has also drawn sharp criticism.
The situation has amplified debates over political bias in law enforcement. Many have noted the stark contrast in how Democrats handled Byrd’s case compared to their typical response to police shootings involving unarmed Black individuals. Babbitt, an unarmed White Trump supporter, was portrayed by some as deserving of the deadly force used against her.
This case has raised broader questions about political influence in law enforcement decisions and whether Capitol Police actions were unduly shaped by partisan pressure.
