WASHINGTON: A US police officer was cleared of wrongdoing on Monday in the shooting death of a woman who joined the January 6 attack on Congress by supporters of president Donald Trump.

The US Capitol Police determined that the officer acted lawfully and correctly under department policy, which permits deadly force “in defence of human life, including the officer’s own life, or in the defence of any person in immediate danger of serious physical injury.”

The officer, who has not been identified, shot protestor Ashli Babbit, a 35-year-old air force veteran and fervid Trump supporter from San Diego, as she attempted to break through a doorway with dozens of others behind her.

In videos taken by the rioters, Babbitt and others are seen inside the Capitol pushing against a door to the Speakers Lobby, which would have given them access to the chamber of the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers fled past the door just minutes before. Babbitt, wearing a Trump flag like a cape, and others threaten to break through and push officers out of the way.—AFP