Ashli Babbitt Receives Military Funeral Honors After Initial Denial

Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot and killed during the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been posthumously granted full military funeral honors by the Air Force. This follows a reversal of the Biden administration’s earlier decision to deny such arrangements.

In an August 15 letter, the Undersecretary of the Air Force, Matthew Lohmeier, acknowledged that the previous decision was incorrect after reviewing the circumstances surrounding Babbitt’s death and new information that has emerged. The honors were awarded after her family requested them, including her husband, Aaron Babbitt, who filed a lawsuit seeking $30 million, which was later settled for $5 million.

Babbitt served as a security forces airman in the Air Force and Air National Guard, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Her death, at age 35, drew widespread attention and controversy, as she was unarmed when shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she attempted to breach a barricaded door.

The decision to honor Babbitt with military rites sparked debate. Some, including retired General Mike Flynn, praised the honor as a testament to her service. Flynn stated, “There is no better example of how a leader is supposed to act,” and offered condolences for her family.

Critics, including political figures like Rep. Adam Kinzinger, condemned the honor, arguing that Babbitt’s actions during the Capitol riot made her unworthy of military recognition. Kinzinger stated that honoring her is a dishonor given her role in the insurrection.