I Risked My Life to Defend the Capitol. Now Ashli Babbitt’s Family Gets $5 Million?

I have never been more furious.

I stood my ground on January 6, 2021, alongside brave fellow officers to defend the United States Capitol from a violent mob seeking to overturn the results of a democratic election. I was punched, pushed, called racial slurs, and mentally tormented—all in service of protecting our lawmakers and the rule of law.

And now I find out that the family of Ashli Babbitt—an insurrectionist who was part of that very mob—is reportedly being paid $5 million.

Let that sink in. I didn’t get a settlement. I didn’t get a bonus. I didn’t even get a thank-you from many of the people who benefited from our sacrifice. I got threats. I got questioned. I got dragged through hearings and the court of public opinion. I’m still fighting to be heard and to have my full story respected. You can help me fight back and support my work by subscribing today:

Ashli Babbitt was not a hero. She was not a peaceful protester. She was part of a violent attack on our democracy. She defied the law, breached a restricted area of the Capitol, and was trying to climb through a broken window to access members of Congress who were being evacuated. She was warned. She was part of a mob that was chanting to hang the Vice President. And now, her family is being financially rewarded?

Meanwhile, I’ve had to watch some of the same political leaders who encouraged the rioters turn their backs on us. I’ve seen them downplay what happened, rewrite the history, and worst of all, attack those of us who defended the building and our fellow Americans. Some of us are still waiting for accountability. Some of us are still dealing with the trauma. Some of us are still waiting for pardons or fair treatment from the same government we served.

This is not justice. This is shameful.

The people who tried to stop the certification of a free and fair election should not be receiving settlements. They should be held accountable. And the people who defended democracy shouldn’t be left behind, forgotten, or vilified. We should be honored—not ignored.

I defended this country. I defended its institutions. I paid a personal price for it. And to see this insurrectionist’s family receive millions while I’m still fighting for dignity?

It’s an insult to every officer who stood their ground that day.

America, do not forget who fought to uphold the Constitution on January 6. And do not reward those who tried to destroy it.

— Harry Dunn