A stunning reversal! The Jan. 6 Capitol rioter, Ashli Babbitt, is now set to receive military funeral honors, overturning a previous decision. This move follows a hefty $5 million settlement for her family. What does this mean for the legacy of that fateful day, and how will it reshape perceptions of accountability?
The decision by the U.S. Air Force to grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot during the January 6th Capitol insurrection, has ignited a fervent national debate. This move reverses a previous Biden-era denial, stirring significant controversy regarding the appropriate recognition for an individual who participated in the violent breach of the nation’s legislative stronghold. The impending ceremony underscores deep divisions within public opinion and official policy concerning the events of that day.
Ashli Babbitt’s death occurred as she attempted to breach a shattered glass door within the U.S. Capitol, while lawmakers and staff were evacuating. Despite multiple verbal warnings to cease her actions, she continued to advance, leading to her being fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd. The circumstances surrounding her demise have remained a focal point of discussion, with supporters viewing her as a martyr and critics emphasizing her role in the riot.
The directive to bestow military honors was issued on August 15 by Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier, overriding an earlier determination by then-Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly in 2021. Kelly had previously asserted that honoring Babbitt, a veteran, would “bring discredit upon the U.S. Air Force,” a sentiment reflecting the initial official stance on those involved in the Capitol attack. Lohmeier’s reversal signals a significant shift in this official posture.
Adding another layer to this complex narrative, the Babbitt family recently secured a $5 million settlement from the federal government in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2024. Babbitt’s mother, Micki Witthoeft, contended that her daughter posed no threat on January 6th and accused Lt. Byrd of ambushing the 35-year-old veteran. This protracted legal battle and its resolution have further fueled public discourse surrounding the incident.
Lieutenant Michael Byrd, the officer who fired the fatal shot, underwent extensive investigations by both the Justice Department and the Capitol Police force, ultimately being cleared of any wrongdoing in August 2021. Byrd stated publicly that in the chaotic environment of the Speaker’s Lobby, with rioters threatening to overwhelm police and lawmakers fleeing, he made a “last resort” decision to protect those inside, unable to ascertain if Babbitt was armed.
The conservative legal advocacy group Judicial Watch, led by longtime activist Tom Fitton, has been instrumental in representing the Babbitt family since her death and championing the cause for military honors. Judicial Watch first reported the news of Lohmeier’s decision and vehemently criticized the previous administration’s denial of honors as “cruel,” expressing gratitude towards figures like Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for their perceived roles in the reversal.
The decision has not been met with universal approval, drawing sharp condemnation from various quarters. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a veteran who served on the U.S. House Jan. 6 committee, publicly stated that Babbitt “dishonored her service by committing insurrection against her country” and deemed the Air Force’s decision a “dishonor” in itself. Similarly, former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, injured during the riot, expressed feeling “betrayed yet again” by the move, highlighting the deep emotional impact on those who defended the Capitol.
The contentious issue of military honors for Ashli Babbitt extends beyond a mere procedural decision; it touches upon the core interpretations of the January 6th events and the legacies of those involved. As the nation grapples with the historical significance of the Capitol riot, this development re-ignites questions about accountability, heroism, and the enduring divisions that continue to shape the American political landscape.
