The Air Force confirmed Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors after her death in the Jan. 6 riot. Explore her service, lawsuit settlement, and the controversy surrounding this decision.
Air Force Grants Ashli Babbitt Military Funeral Honors Amid Controversy
Introduction
The Air Force has confirmed that Ashli Babbitt will receive military funeral honors, a decision that has ignited both praise and controversy. Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran, was fatally shot by U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot as she attempted to climb through a barricaded door near the Speaker’s Lobby.
This announcement underscores the complex legacy of Babbitt—an honorably discharged veteran, an outspoken believer in conspiracy theories like QAnon, and a central figure in the national debate over the Capitol attack. By granting Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors, the Air Force recognizes her service while reopening a heated discussion about the events of January 6 and their lingering impact.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ashli Elizabeth Babbitt |
| Age at Death | 35 |
| Date of Death | January 6, 2021 |
| Cause | Shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd during riot |
| Military Service | U.S. Air Force & Air National Guard veteran |
| Honors | Air Force confirmed full military funeral honors |
| Legal Case | Wrongful death lawsuit settled for $5 million |
| Controversy | Believed in QAnon and Pizzagate conspiracy theories |
Why the Air Force Granted Military Funeral Honors
According to an Air Force spokesperson, the decision followed a review of Babbitt’s service record and circumstances of her death. The statement read:
“After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitt’s death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitt’s family.”
Veterans who serve honorably are typically eligible for such honors, regardless of circumstances surrounding their later lives. In this case, the Air Force determined that Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors were warranted based on her active duty and Air National Guard service.
The conservative legal group Judicial Watch had been lobbying for this outcome, arguing that Babbitt’s service entitled her to the recognition.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
On January 6, 2021, Babbitt joined rioters attempting to breach the Capitol after Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss. As she tried to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby, she was shot once by Lt. Michael Byrd.
Investigations by the Department of Justice and Capitol Police cleared Byrd of wrongdoing, ruling that he acted within his duty to protect lawmakers.
Despite these findings, Babbitt’s death became a rallying cry for Trump supporters and right-wing activists, many of whom consider her a martyr. The decision to grant Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors adds another layer to her polarizing legacy.
Babbitt’s Military Background
Babbitt served in the U.S. Air Force for over a decade, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. She later joined the Air National Guard before receiving an honorable discharge.
| Branch | Years Served | Notable Deployments |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | ~2003–2016 | Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait |
| Air National Guard | After 2016 | Homeland security support |
This record of service was central to the Air Force’s decision to provide Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors, even though her death occurred during an attempt to breach the Capitol.
The Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In early 2024, Babbitt’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging misconduct in her killing. After Donald Trump returned to the presidency in November 2024, his administration negotiated a $5 million settlement to resolve the civil complaint.
This settlement reinforced her family’s narrative that Babbitt was unjustly killed, while critics argue it represented a political move rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
Judicial Watch and Right-Wing Support
The conservative legal group Judicial Watch strongly advocated for Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors, framing her as both a patriot and a victim. The organization argued:
“Ashli Babbitt’s patriotic and courageous service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard also merits favorable action on this request.”
For many on the right, Babbitt remains a symbol of resistance, while her critics see her as a participant in an anti-democratic attack.
Conspiracy Theories and Babbitt’s Beliefs
Babbitt was active on social media, where she embraced conspiracy theories including:
- QAnon, which falsely claimed Trump was secretly fighting an international cabal.
- Pizzagate, a baseless narrative alleging Democrats ran a child abuse ring from a Washington restaurant.
These beliefs placed her firmly in the extremist wing of Trump’s support base. While unrelated to her military record, they have intensified debates over whether Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors are appropriate.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The decision has drawn mixed reactions:
| Supporters Say | Critics Say |
|---|---|
| Her military service entitles her to honors. | Honors politicize the military. |
| She should be recognized for her sacrifice as a veteran. | Her role in the Jan. 6 riot disqualifies her morally. |
| Funeral honors are a right, not an endorsement of actions. | It risks legitimizing extremism and conspiracy theories. |
This split reflects the broader polarization surrounding the legacy of January 6.
Broader Implications for the Military
The case raises questions about how the military should handle funeral honors for veterans involved in controversial or criminal events later in life. While military policy typically prioritizes service history, critics argue that granting Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors could set a precedent that complicates future cases.
FAQs on Ashli Babbitt Military Funeral Honors
1. What are Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors?
They are official military rites, including a flag presentation, honor guard, and potentially a ceremonial salute, granted to veterans with honorable service.
2. Why did the Air Force grant her funeral honors?
The Air Force reviewed her service record and determined her honorable service qualified her, regardless of the circumstances of her death.
3. Was Lt. Michael Byrd punished for the shooting?
No. Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing by both the Department of Justice and Capitol Police after investigations.
4. Did Ashli Babbitt’s family receive a settlement?
Yes. In 2024, her estate received a $5 million settlement from the U.S. government to resolve a wrongful death lawsuit.
5. Why is the decision controversial?
Because while she earned eligibility through her service, critics argue that granting Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors risks honoring someone who took part in the Jan. 6 riot.
Conclusion
The Air Force’s decision to grant Ashli Babbitt military funeral honors illustrates the difficult balance between recognizing military service and confronting the legacy of the Capitol riot. For some, the honors validate her as a patriot; for others, they represent an uncomfortable contradiction.
As the U.S. continues to grapple with the fallout from January 6, Babbitt’s name remains central to debates over justice, honor, and the meaning of service in a deeply divided nation.