The Capitol Police officer who fatally shot unarmed protester Ashli Babbitt during the events of January 6, 2021, has a disciplinary record riddled with firearm-related incidents and troubling behavior, according to findings from a House investigation.

Yet, despite this extensive history, Michael Byrd was not only cleared of wrongdoing in the Babbitt shooting but also promoted to captain—a decision that has sparked scrutiny and outrage, as reported by Just The News.

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Congressional and police documents, unveiled by the House Administration Oversight Subcommittee, detail Byrd’s checkered past. His record includes:

  • A 2004 firearm incident: Byrd, while off duty, fired his weapon at a stolen vehicle fleeing his neighborhood. Investigators found evidence contradicting Byrd’s claim that he fired in self-defense, with one bullet hole discovered in the rear of the vehicle. Byrd faced suspension for “bad judgment” after a state prosecutor declined to pursue charges.
  • A 2015 racial confrontation: A fellow officer accused Byrd of verbal harassment during a high school football game, alleging that Byrd called him a “piece of shit” and a “racist” without clear provocation.
  • 2019 negligence: Byrd left his service weapon unattended in a Capitol Hill public bathroom frequented by visitors. The firearm was only recovered during a routine sweep, resulting in a 33-day suspension.

The investigation also revealed Byrd failed an FBI background check and shotgun qualification test shortly after January 6, undermining his claims of being adequately trained to handle weapons responsibly.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., chair of the oversight subcommittee, addressed a formal letter to Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, highlighting Byrd’s checkered record and criticizing his promotion to captain.

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Loudermilk emphasized the need for the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) to make personnel decisions free from political influence, adding, “Byrd’s promotion raises serious concerns given his significant disciplinary history.”

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Adding fuel to the fire, records from three additional internal investigations against Byrd are reportedly missing, impeding the committee’s ability to conduct full oversight.

In an interview with NBC News in 2021, Byrd justified his decision to fatally shoot Babbitt, claiming she posed a direct threat to members of Congress as she climbed through a barricaded doorway. “I believe I showed utmost courage on January 6,” Byrd stated, recounting how he shouted warnings before using his firearm.

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Byrd insisted his actions were not politically motivated, declaring, “I do my job for Republican, for Democrat, for white, for black.” Despite his defense, the officer remains a polarizing figure, with critics accusing him of excessive force against an unarmed woman.

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An internal USCP investigation concluded Byrd’s actions on January 6 were “lawful and within Department policy,” stating that he likely prevented “serious injury and possible death” to lawmakers. Yet, many Americans remain skeptical, particularly given Byrd’s troubled history and apparent lack of accountability.

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The controversy surrounding Byrd underscores broader concerns about transparency and integrity within the Capitol Police. As Loudermilk’s investigation continues, the public is left questioning whether political expediency is taking precedence over accountability and sound judgment in federal law enforcement.

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