The Air Force just made a shocking decision regarding Ashli Babbitt, the January 6 Capitol rioter. They’ve reversed course, granting her full military honors – a move igniting fury among veterans and lawmakers alike. Is this a tribute to service, or a profound dishonor to those who defended democracy?

The U.S. Air Force has ignited a firestorm of controversy by reversing a previous decision and granting full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. This move directly overturns a Biden-era policy that had previously denied such distinctions to Babbitt due to her involvement in the attack, sparking widespread condemnation from various sectors.

The decision has drawn immediate and fierce criticism from lawmakers, veterans, and former law enforcement officials who argue it profoundly dishonors service members who courageously upheld their oath during the violent assault on the Capitol. Many view the reversal as a betrayal of those who defended democratic institutions against the mob.

Among the most vocal critics is former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino A. Gonell, who sustained severe injuries while defending the Capitol and subsequently retired in 2022. Gonell vehemently condemned the Air Force’s decision, expressing on social media that it feels like “betrayal yet again” to the officers who stood their ground that fateful day.

Ashli Babbitt died while attempting to breach a barricaded door inside the U.S. Capitol, ignoring repeated warnings from law enforcement. U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd, who later stated it was a “last resort” to protect Congress, fatally shot her amidst the chaos as lawmakers scrambled for safety. Investigators cleared Lt. Byrd of wrongdoing in August 2021.

The contentious request for honors was officially granted on August 15, 2025, by Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier, overriding a previous determination made during the Biden administration. Earlier, Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly had informed Babbitt’s family that granting honors would “bring discredit upon the U.S. Air Force,” a sentiment echoed by many opponents of the recent reversal.

The shift has prompted significant public and political pushback. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a member of the House Jan. 6 committee, posted that Babbitt “dishonored her service” and that the honors themselves are a “dishonor.” Social media platforms saw widespread outrage, with many users and public figures, including actor Mark Hamill, expressing dismay and calling the decision an “embarrassment.”

Conversely, conservative legal group Judicial Watch, representing Babbitt’s family, celebrated the Air Force’s decision, labeling the Biden administration’s initial refusal as “cruel.” They credited figures like Donald Trump for the policy change, highlighting the deep partisan divide surrounding Babbitt’s legacy, which remains profoundly polarizing years after the insurrection.

Babbitt’s family had pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against the federal government, initially seeking $30 million before settling for $5 million. Prior to her death, Babbitt had become deeply involved in QAnon conspiracy theories, posting fervent messages about the coming “storm” to Washington D.C.

Donald Trump has consistently celebrated Babbitt, referring to her as an “incredible person” and posting tributes. At the time of her death, she was wearing a Trump flag. The military honors she will now receive, under Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines, include the solemn playing of taps and the presentation of a folded flag to her family, a gesture traditionally reserved for those who served honorably.