Air Force Confirms Full Military Funeral for Jan. 6 Rioter Ashli Babbitt: What You Need to Know

The Air Force has decided to provide full military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran. Babbitt was shot during the January 6 riot while trying to enter a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol. The decision was announced amidst ongoing discussions surrounding her death, which has become a point of contention for different political groups.

Babbitt was part of the crowd protesting Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss. Trying to climb through a window to access the Speaker’s Lobby, she was struck by a bullet fired by U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd. An investigation by the Justice Department found no wrongdoing in Byrd’s actions, but Babbitt’s death has ignited strong feelings among her supporters, who view her as a symbol of protest against government authority.

Experts weigh in on how Babbitt’s case reflects broader societal issues. Dr. Michael B. Hinkle, a political scientist, notes that her story highlights the growing divide in American politics. “She represents a segment of the population frustrated with perceived overreach by the government,” he says.

Her case has attracted attention not only for its legal implications but also for the narratives surrounding it. Babbitt was known for her active presence on social media, where she shared various conspiracy theories, including QAnon beliefs and the “Pizzagate” hoax—an unfounded claim linking political figures to a child abuse ring.

In early 2024, Babbitt’s estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking justice for her family. The civil complaint concluded with a $5 million settlement after the election of a new administration.

Public sentiment around Babbitt continues to be polarized. Some view her as a patriot, while others criticize her actions that led to her death. This dichotomy reflects a deeper conversation about accountability, democracy, and individual rights in the face of authority.

As a society, we grapple with the legacies of anniversaries like January 6, 2021. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come—and how far we still need to go. With many Americans still divided on these issues, Babbitt’s story will likely continue to resonate and provoke discussion in the years ahead.

For further reading on the complexities of January 6 and its aftermath, you can check out the U.S. government’s report on the events that unfolded that day.

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