One of history’s most politically charged legal sagas continues as a federal jury has ordered a pardoned January 6 protest participant to shell out $500,000 in damages.
Specifically, the bombshell case stems from the alleged assault of a police officer who later committed suicide.
The ruling comes despite the judge dismissing claims that the defendant’s actions directly caused the officer’s death.
David Walls-Kaufman had already served a 60-day prison sentence for a Capitol riot-related misdemeanor before being pardoned.
The 69-year-old chiropractor now faces substantial financial penalties.
The federal jury in June 2025 awarded $500,000 to Erin Smith, widow of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith.
Jeffrey Smith took his own life nine days after the January 6, 2021, events at the Capitol.
The jury’s decision included $380,000 in punitive damages and $60,000 in compensatory damages to Erin Smith for the alleged assault on her husband.
An additional $60,000 was awarded to Jeffrey Smith’s estate for pain and suffering.
However, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta had previously dismissed the more serious wrongful-death claim against Walls-Kaufman.
Judge Mehta determined that no reasonable juror could establish a link between Walls-Kaufman’s actions and Smith’s death.
The judge specifically ruled that the defendant’s actions could not have caused a traumatic brain injury that led to Smith’s suicide, undermining a key argument in the plaintiff’s case.
Walls-Kaufman has consistently denied assaulting Officer Smith during the Capitol protests.
Following the verdict, he expressed his frustration with the outcome, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.”
“Erin is grateful to receive some measure of justice,” said David P. Weber, one of her lawyers.
The police department had cleared Smith to return to duty before his suicide, and he had no previous documented mental health issues.
Still, the District of Columbia Police and Firefighters’ Retirement and Relief Board later ruled Smith’s injury was the direct cause of his death.
This determination appears at odds with the federal judge’s assessment.
The jury’s decision prompted Judge Mehta to encourage both parties to consider a settlement to avoid an appeal.
This suggests potential weaknesses in the case that might not withstand further legal scrutiny.
This case is part of a broader narrative surrounding the January 6 Capitol protests.
Mainstream media outlets claim over 100 law enforcement officers were injured during the events.
Initially reported as killed by protesters, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was later determined to have died of natural causes after the riot.
Another officer, Howard Liebengood, also died by suicide following the incident.
