A decision by the US Air Force to grant military honors to Ashli Babbitt, who died during the January 6 Capitol riot, is sparking intense debate. This move reverses a prior denial, raising questions about what it means for military service and national sentiment. How do these honors align with the circumstances of her death?

A controversial decision by the US Air Force to grant full military honors to Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot while breaching the US Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, has ignited a fierce national debate. This move, reversing an earlier denial, highlights the deeply divided perspectives surrounding the events of that day and the individuals involved.

Babbitt’s final message, “They can try and try and try, but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.. Dark to light!”, posted on January 5, foreshadowed her involvement in the violent mob that stormed the Capitol. Her death occurred as she attempted to climb through a shattered glass door, ignoring multiple warnings from law enforcement.

The reversal of the Biden-era decision came on August 15, enacted by Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier. Previously, then-Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly had stated in 2021 that honoring Babbitt would “bring discredit upon the US Air Force,” a sentiment rooted in her illegal entry into the Capitol and her direct role in the mob assault.

The circumstances surrounding Ashli Babbitt’s fatal shooting by US Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd remain unchanged. Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing by both the Justice Department and the Capitol Police after extensive investigations. He stated he acted as a “last resort” to protect lawmakers and staff, having issued multiple commands for Babbitt to stand down, which she disregarded during the Capitol riot.

Granting military funeral honors typically involves a ceremony including the playing of taps and the solemn folding and presentation of the American flag to the family by an honor guard. This honor guard traditionally comprises at least two armed forces members, with one representing the veteran’s specific branch of service.

Babbitt’s ideological background has been a significant part of the public discourse. A review of her digital footprint from 2021 revealed her deep embrace of the QAnon movement as early as February 2020. QAnon adherents believe in a global cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles, viewing figures like Donald Trump as a savior against this perceived threat. Trump himself has frequently expressed support for Babbitt since 2021, calling for investigations into her death and wishing her posthumous happy birthday.

The decision to grant these military funeral honors has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a decorated Air Force veteran who served on the US House January 6 committee, publicly condemned the move. Similarly, former US Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who suffered injuries on January 6, expressed his profound offense at the decision.

Many public commentators echoed these sentiments, highlighting the perceived injustice of honoring someone who participated in an insurrection while questioning the support for other veterans. The debate extends to the financial compensation reportedly received by Babbitt’s family, with critics drawing comparisons to other victims of police violence who receive no such support.

This contentious development underscores the persistent national divisions regarding the January 6 events, the definition of patriotism, and the appropriate recognition for those involved in such a pivotal moment in American history. The US Air Force’s decision reopens wounds and forces a re-examination of allegiance, duty, and honor within the military and wider society.