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Capitol Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Woman Placed On Leave, Under Investigation

(Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Phillip Nieto Contributor
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The United States Capitol Police (USCP) announced Thursday the employee who fatally shot Ashli Babbitt inside the Capitol Building has been placed on leave and is under investigation.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, joined a mob of supporters for President Donald Trump breaching the Capitol to stop the Congressional certification for President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Babbitt’s group attempted to force their way into the House Chamber where lawmakers were still present, according to Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund.

Video of the scene shows the unnamed USCP employee discharging a weapon, fatally shooting Babbitt.

“As protesters were forcing their way toward the House Chamber where Members of Congress were sheltering in place, a sworn USCP employee discharged their service weapon, striking an adult female,” Sund said in a statement.

“As per the USCP’s policy, the USCP employee has been placed on administrative leave and their police powers have been suspended pending the outcome of a joint Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and USCP investigation.”

WARNING, GRAPHIC:

Footage shows rioters breaking the glass door panels outside the Speaker’s lobby. (RELATED: New Angle Shows Moment Officer Shot And Killed Air Force Veteran In House Office)

Authorities later announced on Wednesday evening that three other individuals died reportedly from “medical emergencies.”

Additionally, 68 arrests were made between Wednesday night and Thursday morning for involvement in the Capitol’s chaotic siege. Police said five of the arrests were for possessing illegal firearms.