WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal jury awarded $500,000 to the widow and estate of a police officer who took his own life nine days after helping to defend the U.S. Capitol from a mob of rioters. The jury held 69-year-old chiropractor David Walls-Kaufman responsible for assaulting Officer Jeffrey Smith during the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Walls-Kaufman was ordered to pay $380,000 in punitive damages and $60,000 in compensatory damages to Erin Smith. An additional $60,000 was awarded to compensate Jeffrey Smith’s estate for his suffering.
During the civil trial, the judge dismissed Erin Smith’s wrongful-death claim against Walls-Kaufman, stating that his actions could not have directly led to Smith’s death. Despite this, the jury found Walls-Kaufman liable for the assault, as captured on Jeffrey Smith’s body camera.
Erin Smith’s attorney, David P. Weber, expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision, while Walls-Kaufman deemed the outcome “ridiculous” and denied any wrongdoing. Judge Ana Reyes urged both parties to consider a settlement to avoid further legal proceedings.
Jeffrey Smith tragically took his own life shortly after the Capitol riot, with his family attributing his death to the injuries sustained during the attack. The District of Columbia Retirement Board determined that Smith’s death was directly caused by the injuries he suffered on duty.
Walls-Kaufman served time for a Capitol riot-related offense but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump along with many others charged in the riot. The incident left over 100 law enforcement officers injured, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died from natural causes after engaging with the rioters.
The officer who responded to the riot also tragically died by suicide following the attack.
