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No Federal Charges For Officers Who Shot & Killed Woman Near U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- No charges for the federal police officers who shot and killed a woman near the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors say the officers' actions were justified after the woman rammed a White House barrier with her car and led police on a high-speed chase.

Her family says she didn't have to die.

Christie Ileto has reaction to the decision.

After interviewing 60 witnesses, combing through evidence and video footage, the U.S. Attorney's Office says those officers aren't at fault. Miriam Carey's family attorney tells WJZ this doesn't change their legal position.

No criminal charges for the U.S. Capitol Police and secret service seen on video moments before the fatal shooting of Connecticut woman Miriam Carey.

Thursday's announcement comes more than nine months after the 34-year-old dental hygienist was killed during a police chase that officials say started when she tried to ram the gate at the White House and the Capitol last October.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is calling Carey "reckless" and "evasive," saying: "Accident, mistake, fear, negligence and bad judgment do not establish criminal violation."

"[Police] overreacted. They acted inconsistent with their training," said Eric Sanders, the family's New York attorney.

Officials say in the midst of the chase, Carey proceeded to drive toward approaching Capitol Police. WJZ spoke with Sanders by phone.

Ileto: "What is the family's reaction?"

Sanders: "They're disappointed, but there's no shock."

In interviews last year, Carey's family denied claims she was bipolar.

"She did suffer from postpartum depression and psychosis," said Amy Carey-Jones, sister.

Carey led officers on a wild chase that ended near the Hart Building. An autopsy report shows Carey was shot five times.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says it wasn't until the car was stopped officers saw her one-year-old daughter in the back seat.

"There was no reason for a gun to fire when there were no shots coming from the vehicle," said Valerie Carey, sister.

The investigation may be closed, but the Carey family attorney says this is far from over.

The family intends to move forward with a $75 million wrongful death lawsuit against the officers involved.

Carey was not armed at the time of the shooting. Her daughter was not injured in the incident.

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