Judicial Watch released documents that expose the extravagant expenditure of taxpayer dollars by the US Air Force. The funds were used to accommodate Mike Byrd in a “distinguished visitor suite,” following his involvement in the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt.

Lt. Mike Byrd, a Capitol Police officer, was at the center of a controversial incident on January 6, 2021. On this fateful day, Ashli Babbitt, a US veteran and ardent Trump supporter, was shot dead inside the US Capitol.

The tragic event unfolded as Babbitt attempted to breach the Speaker’s Lobby during the infamous pro-Trump riot.

The Gateway Pundit, in July 2021, was the first to confirm Lt. Mike Byrd was indeed the officer responsible for Babbitt’s death. This confirmation came amidst a cloud of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the identity of the shooter.

Despite the controversy, Byrd was exonerated in August 2021, a decision that raised eyebrows considering he reportedly was never interviewed before being cleared of any wrongdoing.

Adding to the controversy is the fact Byrd had a history of negligence, having left his loaded firearm unattended in Capitol restrooms on multiple occasions. Yet, despite these glaring red flags, Byrd was not only exonerated but also promoted.

RollCall recently reported that Lt. Mike Byrd is set to be promoted to Captain. This news comes as part of an internal announcement that lists over 30 employees moving up the ranks within the Capitol Police.

Among them is Caroline Edwards, who will be promoted to sergeant after recounting her harrowing experience during the January 6 attack.

The Capitol Police Department maintains their promotional process is competitive and equitable. They assert these promotions were well-deserved across the department, including multiple Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants.

However, the promotion of Byrd, given his controversial past, raises questions about the standards and criteria used in this process.

The case of Ashli Babbitt remains a contentious issue. Babbitt, who weighed just 98 pounds and was unarmed at the time of her death, was perceived by many as posing no threat.

Her death, along with that of another Trump supporter, Rosanne Boyland, outside the US Capitol, continues to fuel debates about the use of force by law enforcement.

In conclusion, the promotion of Lt. Mike Byrd, despite his involvement in the fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt and his history of negligence, raises serious concerns.

It prompts us to question the integrity of the promotional process within the Capitol Police Department and the accountability of law enforcement officers.