Air Force Grants Full Military Funeral Honors to Ashli Babbitt

The U.S. Air Force has reversed its previous decision and will now grant full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who was fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Babbitt, a former Senior Airman, was killed by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd as she attempted to climb through a broken window inside the Capitol near the Speaker’s Lobby.

In a letter dated August 15, Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier notified the Babbitt family of the change. “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,” Lohmeier wrote. He also invited the family to meet with him at the Pentagon to offer his condolences in person.

A Department of the Air Force spokesperson confirmed the letter’s authenticity and the reversal of the decision. “The Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to Senior Airman Babbitt’s family,” the spokesperson stated. Full military honors typically include a ceremonial flag presentation, the playing of Taps, and a uniformed honor guard.

Babbitt’s death remains politically and publicly divisive. Lt. Byrd fired the fatal shot without issuing a verbal warning, even though officers in riot gear were positioned behind Babbitt and appeared prepared to control the situation. Byrd’s history includes multiple disciplinary incidents but he was later promoted to captain under the Biden administration.

Details regarding the date and location of Babbitt’s funeral service have not yet been announced.