A contentious decision by the United States Air Force to grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, a veteran fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, has ignited a firestorm of debate. This reversal, dubbed ‘Honoring a Rioter’ by critics, comes after a previous denial by the Biden administration and a subsequent multi-million dollar settlement with Babbitt’s family. The decision, confirmed in an August 15 letter by Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier and made public on August 28, 2025, has drawn both praise and condemnation, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the events of that day.
Background: The Death of Ashli Babbitt
Ashli Babbitt, 35, was an Air Force and Air National Guard veteran who traveled from San Diego to Washington D.C. to participate in rallies and protests challenging the 2020 presidential election results. On January 6, 2021, she was fatally shot by Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd while attempting to climb through a broken window beside a barricaded door into the Speaker’s Lobby, adjacent to the House Chamber, inside the U.S. Capitol Building. Lieutenant Byrd was later cleared of wrongdoing by both the Department of Justice and the Metropolitan Police Department’s internal affairs division. Babbitt was a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and the QAnon conspiracy theory.
The Reversal of the Decision
The initial request for military funeral honors for Babbitt was denied in February 2021. Then-Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, justified the denial stating that granting the honors “would bring discredit upon the Air Force” due to the circumstances surrounding her death.
However, this decision was overturned by Under Secretary Lohmeier. In his letter to Babbitt’s family, Lohmeier stated that “after reviewing the circumstances of Ashli’s death, and considering the information that has come forward since then, I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect.” This reversal occurred after the government paid a settlement of nearly $5 million to Babbitt’s family in July as part of a wrongful death lawsuit.
Military Funeral Honors Details
The military funeral honors will consist of a ceremony featuring the playing of “Taps,” a two-person honor guard, and the presentation of a folded American flag to Babbitt’s next of kin. Under Secretary Lohmeier has also invited Babbitt’s mother and husband to meet him at the Pentagon to offer his condolences personally.
Controversy and Reactions
Praise and Support
Conservative groups, such as Judicial Watch, which represented Babbitt’s family, have praised the Air Force’s decision. They view it as a long-overdue recognition of Babbitt’s service and sacrifice. Supporters argue that denying her military funeral honors based on the circumstances of her death was a politically motivated decision.
Criticism and Opposition to Honoring a Rioter
The decision has also faced significant criticism. Opponents argue that honoring an individual killed while participating in the Capitol attack sets a dangerous precedent and discredits the Air Force. Some view the move as part of an effort to “rehabilitate” the narrative surrounding the January 6th events and those involved, potentially downplaying the severity of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The reversal raises complex legal and ethical considerations. The initial denial was based on the assessment that granting honors would damage the reputation of the Air Force. The subsequent reversal suggests a re-evaluation of this assessment, potentially influenced by the wrongful death settlement and evolving public perception of the events of January 6th. The decision underscores the challenge of balancing military tradition and respect for service with the need to uphold democratic values and condemn acts of violence against the government.
Conclusion
The Air Force’s decision to provide military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt has become a focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot. The reversal of the initial denial, the details of the honors themselves, and the sharply divided reactions underscore the enduring controversy and complexity of the events of that day and their lasting impact on American society.
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