The mother of Ashli Babbitt — a woman fatally shot by police on Jan. 6, 2021, as a violent mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol — was arrested Friday afternoon for blocking traffic and for failing to obey an order, authorities said.
Micki Witthoeft was part of a group of demonstrators who were “illegally blocking traffic on Independence Avenue, SW, near First Street, SW,” U.S. Capitol Police said.
The 58-year-old woman was arrested around 1:45 p.m. and charged with failing to obey an order and blocking and obstructing roadways.
The group, who did not have a permit to demonstrate on Capitol Grounds, was told to stay behind a “clear police line” that was established to prevent them from moving west on Independence Avenue.
“The officers and officials told the group to get out of the road or the group would be arrested” — which they refused to do, authorities said.
Witthoeft was given “multiple warnings to get out of the road,” but instead of doing so, she “turned around with her hands behind her back, and asked to be arrested.”
She was processed and released Friday afternoon, according to police. She also received a citation to appear in court at a future date.
The incident happened on the two-year anniversary of the death of her 35-year-old daughter.
Babbitt, an Air Force veteran and outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, was part of the mob who stormed the nation’s capital in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
She was shot by Capitol Police while the rioters moved toward the House chamber.
