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3w ago

Air Force Reverses 2021 Denial, Offers Military Funeral Honors to Ashli Babbitt

The offer, confirmed by the service, follows an Aug. 15 letter from the under secretary overturning the previous determination.

A poster of Ashli Babbitt, who was killed by Capitol Police during the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, hangs on a fence on the first anniversary of the event outside the Capitol, in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2022.
This driver's license photo from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), provided to AP by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, shows Ashli Babbitt.
A protester holds a sign about Ashli Babbitt while participating in a political rally on July 25, 2021 in New York City.

Overview

  • Under Secretary Matthew L. Lohmeier told Babbitt’s family he was persuaded the earlier decision was incorrect and invited them to the Pentagon.
  • A Department of the Air Force spokesperson confirmed Military Funeral Honors have been offered, with specific ceremonial details yet to be determined.
  • In 2021, Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly denied the request, saying such honors would bring discredit to the Air Force because of Babbitt’s actions at the Capitol.
  • The reversal follows a federal wrongful-death settlement of nearly $5 million reached with Babbitt’s family earlier this year.
  • Judicial Watch publicized the letter and praised the decision, while opponents, including veterans and lawmakers, criticized honoring a Jan. 6 participant; the officer who shot Babbitt was cleared by DOJ and Capitol Police in 2021.