The Capitol Police officer who fatally shot pro-Trump rioter Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 Capitol attack will reveal his identity in an interview with NBC News, according to CNBC.
The officer is expected to be interviewed by NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt at 6:30 pm on Thursday, according to the network.
Video recorded during the riot showed Trump supporters breaking a window on a door to the House chamber and an officer whose face was not seen pointing a gun at the mob.
Babbitt attempted to climb through the broken window and the officer fired one shot, hitting her in the left shoulder.
Babbitt was taken to a hospital where she died.
Babbitt has since become a martyr on the far right. Former President Donald Trump said in a statement earlier this month that Babbitt was “murdered at the hands of someone who should never have pulled the trigger of his gun.”
Babbitt’s family has filed a lawsuit against the officer and the Capitol Police.
The Capitol Police said on Monday that the officer and his family “have been the subject of numerous credible and specific threats.”
Officer was exonerated:
The interview comes days after the Capitol Police exonerated the officer in an internal investigation.
An internal memo said that “no further action will be taken in this matter” after concluding his use of force was justified.
The Justice Department previously said in April that it would not charge the officer.
Mark Schamel, the officer’s attorney, told NBC that the decision was the "only correct conclusion following the events of January 6."
"The bravery shown by the Lieutenant in organizing and coordinating the defense of the House and its members and staff was nothing short of heroic," Schamel said. "The Lieutenant’s conduct saved lives and helped to end the violent insurrection."
"The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters who forced their way into the U.S. Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and staff were steps away," Capitol Police said in a statement.
Officer to discuss aftermath:
The officer will “share his perspective on the events of that day, including the aftermath of the deadly insurrection and the threats he has received,” NBC said in a press release.
The officer is also expected to discuss the conclusion that his actions were “lawful and within Department policy.”
Terrell Roberts, a lawyer for Babbitt’s family, criticized the department after it refused to comply with their request to identify the officer over threats made against him.
“Did the Capitol Police’s fear that by identifying the officer he would be exposed to grave danger just evaporate into thin air?” he told CNBC.
