In a bid to tell the truth, the US Capitol Police officer who is responsible for killing pro-Trump rioter Ashli Babbitt revealed his identity on Thursday, further defending his actions on January 6. 

“I know that day I saved countless lives,” Lt. Michael Byrd said in an interview with NBC Nightly News. “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.”

Michael fatally shot Babbitt in the shoulder as she climbed through a window into the Speaker’s Lobby. “I tried to wait as long as I could,” Byrd said. “I hoped and prayed no one tried to enter through those doors. But their failure to comply required me to take the appropriate action to save the lives of members of Congress and myself and my fellow officers.”

In April, the Justice Department claimed he wouldn’t be charged in connection with Babbitt’s death, while the US Capitol Police said he wouldn’t face internal discipline last week. However, there’s a possibility that he could face civil litigation from Babbitt’s family. 

Byrd said he was “taking a tactical stance” by drawing his gun as the mob approached. “You’re ultimately hoping that your commands would be complied with. Unfortunately, they were not.”

I just want the truth to be told

Former President Donald Trump and his allies have done all they can to form a narrative around Babbitt’s death and turn her into somewhat of a martyr. 

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Trump said Babbitt was an “innocent, wonderful, incredible woman.” 

Byrd further said that Trump’s comments were “disheartening”.

“I hope they understand I did my job,” Byrd added when talking about the Republicans who accused him. He also confessed to wanting the truth to reach everyone. “There was imminent threat and danger to the members of Congress. I just want the truth to be told.”Capitol Police officer who killed Ashli Babbitt on January 6