A stunning development in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot has emerged as a federal jury delivers justice to the family of a fallen police officer. The case centers around Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith, whose tragic death by suicide came just days after defending the Capitol from rioters.
According to CNN, the jury ordered David Walls-Kaufman, a 69-year-old chiropractor, to pay $500,000 in damages to Officer Smith's widow and estate. The verdict includes $380,000 in punitive damages and $120,000 in compensatory damages for the assault that occurred during the Capitol riot.
The jury's decision came after carefully reviewing evidence, including body camera footage that captured the encounter between Officer Smith and Walls-Kaufman. The ruling represents a significant victory for Erin Smith, who has fought tirelessly to prove that the assault on her husband directly contributed to his death.
Capitol Riot Assault Leads to Devastating Consequences
The confrontation between Officer Smith and Walls-Kaufman took place inside the Capitol during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021. The incident was documented by Smith's body camera, providing crucial evidence for the jury's deliberation.
Walls-Kaufman, who lived near the Capitol, has consistently denied assaulting Smith and claims any injuries the officer suffered came from another rioter who threw a pole. However, the jury found sufficient evidence to hold him liable for the assault on the 35-year-old officer.
The verdict comes despite Judge Ana Reyes dismissing the wrongful death claim before jury deliberations began. The judge stated that no reasonable juror could conclude that Walls-Kaufman's actions directly caused a traumatic brain injury leading to Smith's death.
Legal Battle Reveals Complex Aftermath
The District of Columbia Police and Firefighters' Retirement and Relief Board made a crucial determination in 2022. They concluded that Smith's injuries occurred in the line of duty and were the "sole and direct cause of his death."
Walls-Kaufman's involvement in the riot resulted in a 60-day prison sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge in 2023. However, he received a pardon in January when President Trump issued mass pardons for nearly 1,600 people charged in the Capitol attack.
The defendant's attorney, Hughie Hunt, expressed shock at the jury's award, describing it as excessive for what he called a "three-second event." Judge Reyes promptly responded that significant damage can occur in just three seconds.
Impact on Law Enforcement Community
Officer Smith's death highlights the devastating toll the Capitol riot took on law enforcement personnel. More than 100 officers sustained injuries during the attack, and Smith was not the only officer to die in its aftermath.
Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed and died the day after confronting rioters, though a medical examiner later determined he died of natural causes following a stroke. Another officer, Howard Liebengood, also died by suicide in the wake of the riot.
The police department had cleared Smith to return to full duty after a medical evaluation, but he took his own life while driving to work for the first time after the riot. His family maintains he had no history of mental health issues before January 6.
Quest for Recognition Continues
The verdict marks a significant milestone in Erin Smith's pursuit of justice, but her mission isn't complete. She has submitted an application to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to have her husband's name added as a line-of-duty death.
David P. Weber, one of Erin Smith's attorneys, expressed gratitude for the verdict while acknowledging that the fight for full recognition continues. The memorial's decision could set an important precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Judge Reyes has encouraged both parties to consider reaching a settlement to avoid a lengthy appeals process and achieve closure. The case highlights the ongoing impact of the Capitol riot and its lasting effects on the law enforcement community.
