Military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt have been restored, marking a significant change from a previously denied request in 2021 under the Biden administration. This decision has drawn attention to the aftermath of Babbitt’s fatal shooting during the Capitol incursion on January 6, 2021. According to Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch, “The US Air Force has restored funeral honors to veteran Ashli Babbitt—reversing a vicious, political decision by the Biden regime to deny them to her and her grieving family.”
In a communication from 2021, the Biden administration informed Babbitt’s family that the circumstances surrounding her death precluded her from receiving official acknowledgment of her military service in the Air Force and Air National Guard. The rejection was termed harsh by some, particularly in the wake of a lawsuit settled in May 2023 for $5 million on behalf of Babbitt’s family—an agreement reached during the Trump administration.
A letter from Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly conveyed that granting honors would “bring discredit upon the Air Force,” but subsequent reviews of the case led to a reversal. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew L. Lohmeier sent a letter to Babbitt’s husband and mother, stating, “I understand that the family’s initial request was denied by Air Force leadership… however, after reviewing the circumstances of Ashli’s death, I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect.” Lohmeier also invited the family to the Pentagon.
Babbitt’s family expressed their gratitude towards key figures like President Trump and Under Secretary Lohmeier for restoring her military honors. Fitton acknowledged the lengthy efforts of Judicial Watch, stating, “Judicial Watch is proud to have done its part in bringing her family a measure of justice and accountability for Ashli’s outrageous killing.”
The updated decision came after ongoing pushback, where concerns over the justification for Babbitt’s police shooting continued to be raised. A letter from Judicial Watch argued that the fatal shooting was unjustified, emphasizing that Babbitt had her hands raised and posed no threat at the time of the incident. The letter detailed the events leading to her death, noting that, “Ashli was begging officers to call for backup before she was shot. Officers ignored Ashli.” It further articulated that she did not see her assailant, Lt. Byrd, who fired the fatal shot without announcing himself or giving warnings.
This restoration of honors not only highlights a shift in military policy but also reflects broader tensions regarding the incident of January 6. The points raised by her family and their representatives underscore the continued advocacy for clarity and accountability surrounding Babbitt’s death. As Babbitt’s family continues to seek justice, the restored honors stand as a poignant reminder of her service and sacrifice in the Air Force.
The case and its evolving narrative continue to resonate, both within military circles and in the national conversation on law enforcement tactics during the Capitol riot. In a broader sense, this situation raises questions regarding how military honors are bestowed and the values that inform these decisions.
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