Ashli Babbitt to Receive Military Funeral Honors Amid Controversy
UPDATE: In a significant and controversial reversal, Ashli Babbitt, the MAGA supporter fatally shot by police during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, will now receive a funeral with full military honors. This decision, announced by the U.S. Air Force, comes after years of deliberation and was made possible by Matthew Lohmeier, an appointee of former President Donald Trump.
Babbitt, who was 35 years old at the time of her death, was shot as she attempted to breach a barricaded area while storming the Capitol. The Air Force spokesperson confirmed the change, stating, “After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitt’s death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitt’s family.”
This decision marks a stark contrast to the previous stance articulated by then-Air Force Lieutenant General Brian Kelly in a 2021 letter, which suggested that honoring Babbitt would “bring discredit upon the Air Force.” The reversal follows a push from Babbitt’s family, who have long maintained that she was unjustly killed by Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who fired the shot in self-defense.
In a letter to Babbitt’s family, Lohmeier expressed his disagreement with the earlier ruling, emphasizing, “I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect.” He extended an invitation to the family to meet him at the Pentagon to personally convey his condolences.
The timing of this announcement is particularly poignant, coming three months after a $5 million federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s loved ones was settled by the Trump administration.
While the date for Babbitt’s military funeral has yet to be determined, such ceremonies typically include a uniformed detail, the playing of “Taps,” and the folding and presentation of a U.S. flag. This latest development has reignited discussions surrounding the events of January 6 and the continuing fallout from the Capitol riot.
As the nation reflects on the implications of this decision, it remains to be seen how it will shape the narrative surrounding the Capitol events and the individuals involved. Stay tuned for updates on the scheduled funeral and further responses from officials and the public.
