Capitol Officer Declared Dead: These Are The Five People Who Died Amid Pro-Trump Riots

Topline

Here’s what we know about the five people who died amid the storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Trump’s supporters on Wednesday.

Key Facts

Tangent 

The D.C. police department did not immediately respond to questions from Forbes about the circumstances surrounding these deaths, including a request for information on a rumor circulating social media that one of the two men who suffered a heart attack did so after accidentally tasering himself. 

Surprising Fact 

Both Babbitt and Phillips were active on social media. Babbitt, who voiced ardent support for Trump, engaged frequently with accounts and hashtags related to QAnon, a discredited far-right conspiracy theory alleging that the world is run by a cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles operating a global sex trafficking ring that Trump is actively fighting. “Nothing will stop us … they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours … dark to light!” Babbitt tweeted the day before the rally, referencing a QAnon fantasy known as “The Storm,” a time when Trump is slated to finally unmask the mythical cabal. Greeson, who from his online presence appeared to be a diehard Trump supporter, seemed to identify with the Proud Boys, a right-wing group whose members have frequently engaged in political violence.  Prior to the riots, Greeson posted multiple times on Parler, a social media app popular among conservatives, and called for violence on several occasions. “Let’s take this f-cking country BACK!! Load your guns and take to the streets,” reads one post. Greeson’s family said in a statement that “he was not there to participate in violence or rioting, nor did he condone such actions.”  

Crucial Quote

“I really don’t know why she decided to do this,” said Babbitt’s mother-in-law Robin Babbitt in an interview with Fox 5 DC. Babbitt and her husband owned a business together in San Diego. Her husband did not come to D.C. 

Key Background 

In addition to the four deaths among those attending the protest-turned-riot, as many as 60 Capitol Police officers were injured during the attack, according to the lawmaker in charge of appropriating funds for the agency. Many were hit in the head with metal pipes, said Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), and 15 have been hospitalized, with one in critical condition. 

Further Reading 

“Woman Killed At Capitol Identified As Air Force Veteran From San Diego” (Forbes)

“Capitol Police Chief Defends Handling Of Pro-Trump Riots As Top Lawmaker Warns Of Firings For ‘Embarrassing’ Response” (Forbes)