A pivotal decision has been made regarding Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who died during the January 6 Capitol breach. The Air Force is now granting her full military funeral honors, reversing an earlier determination. This story brings to light new details about her service and the events that unfolded. What do you think about this significant development?

In a significant and highly anticipated decision, the Air Force has announced that it will grant full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force Veteran who tragically lost her life during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Breach. This reversal of a previous determination comes after a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding her death, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of the events that transpired on that day.

Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier formally extended the offer to Babbitt’s family, stating that after careful consideration of new information, the prior decision was deemed incorrect. This move acknowledges her dedicated service to the nation, ensuring that she receives the recognition traditionally bestowed upon service members who meet the criteria for military honors.

Ashli Babbitt’s military career was extensive and distinguished. She served on active duty as a security forces senior airman from 2004 to 2008 and continued her commitment in both the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Her service included multiple deployments to critical zones, including Afghanistan in 2005, Iraq in 2006, and the United Arab Emirates in both 2012 and 2014, underscoring her profound dedication as an Air Force Veteran.

The fateful day of January 6 saw Babbitt, then 35, among the protesters who entered the U.S. Capitol building. She gained access to a hallway immediately outside the “Speaker’s Lobby,” an area directly leading to the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, where members were being evacuated amidst the escalating chaos of the January 6 Capitol incident.

A critical confrontation unfolded as U.S. Capitol Police officers attempted to secure the Speaker’s Lobby, using furniture to barricade glass doors. As protesters breached the glass, Ashli Babbitt attempted to climb through one of the broken doors. An officer positioned inside the Lobby fired a single round from his service pistol, striking her in the left shoulder, which ultimately proved fatal.

Following a comprehensive investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against the police officer involved. The DOJ’s determination centered on the legal standard requiring proof of constitutionally unreasonable force and a “willful” intent to disregard the law, neither of which, they stated, was supported by the evidence, given the officer’s reasonable belief in the necessity of self-defense or defense of others.

Despite the DOJ’s findings, Babbitt’s family filed a lawsuit, alleging she entered Washington for no “unlawful or nefarious purpose,” had her hands raised when shot, and posed no threat to anyone. This legal challenge eventually led to a significant DOJ settlement in May 2025, with the family receiving just under $5 million, a development that brought some closure to the prolonged legal proceedings.

The decision to grant Ashli Babbitt Military Funeral Honors reopens discussions around the complexities of the U.S. Capitol Breach and the diverse interpretations of the events of that day. It highlights the intersecting narratives of military service, protest, and justice, continuing to spark considerable public discourse and reflection on a turbulent chapter in recent American history.