A federal jury has ordered a man involved in the January 6 Capitol riot to pay $500,000 in damages after finding him responsible for assaulting a police officer who later died by suicide. The officer’s widow had filed the civil case seeking justice for her husband’s suffering following the attack.
David Walls-Kaufman, a 69-year-old chiropractor, must pay a total of $500,000 to the widow and estate of Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith. The jury awarded $380,000 in punitive damages and $60,000 in compensatory damages to Erin Smith, the officer’s wife. An additional $60,000 was awarded to Smith’s estate for his pain and suffering.
The assault happened inside the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 riot. Officer Smith was part of the police response to the violent mob that stormed the building. Nine days later, he died by suicide while driving to work. He used his service weapon.
Before the jury began their discussions, the judge dismissed Erin Smith’s wrongful-death claim. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said no reasonable juror could decide that Walls-Kaufman’s actions directly caused the traumatic brain injury that led to Smith’s death. However, the jury agreed that Walls-Kaufman assaulted Smith during the riot.
A body camera worn by Officer Smith recorded the encounter. Walls-Kaufman denied any wrongdoing. He said he never hit the officer and never meant to cause harm. He claimed Smith was injured later that day when another rioter threw a metal pole that struck him near the head.
Despite his denial, the jury accepted Erin Smith’s argument. Her legal team claimed that Walls-Kaufman used Officer Smith’s own baton to hit him in the head. This act allegedly caused a concussion and psychological trauma that led to his death.
Erin Smith’s attorney said she was thankful for the verdict, which gave her a sense of justice. Walls-Kaufman, however, called the verdict “absolutely ridiculous.” He insisted that he did not strike Officer Smith and was shocked by the outcome.
After the jury left the courtroom, Judge Reyes asked both sides to consider a settlement. She noted that it could help avoid a lengthy appeal and allow everyone to move forward. Walls-Kaufman’s attorney, Hughie Hunt, called the verdict shocking for what he said was a “three-second event.” Judge Reyes replied that a lot can happen in three seconds.
Officer Smith had been cleared to return to duty by the police department after the riot. His family said he had no mental health issues before January 6. In 2022, a board in Washington, D.C. ruled that his injury occurred in the line of duty and was the “sole and direct cause” of his death. This official finding added support to Erin Smith’s case.
Walls-Kaufman had earlier pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor related to the Capitol riot and served a 60-day prison sentence. In January, he received a pardon from President Donald Trump, who pardoned or dismissed charges for nearly 1,600 people involved in the riot.
More than 100 officers were injured during the January 6 attack. Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed after confronting rioters and died a day later. A medical report said he died of natural causes after suffering a stroke. Another officer, Howard Liebengood, also died by suicide after responding to the riot.
Erin Smith is still trying to have her husband officially recognized as having died in the line of duty. She applied to have his name added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Her lawyer said they are waiting for a decision and hope for a positive outcome.
This case highlights the lasting harm caused by the Capitol riot and the legal consequences facing those involved. The jury’s decision brings some closure to Officer Smith’s family and raises awareness of the toll that day took on law enforcement officers.
