Ashli Babbitt to Receive Full Military Funeral Honors
Ashli Babbitt, a former US Air Force veteran who was killed during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, will now be granted full military funeral honors, according to a recent release from Judicial Watch.
The Biden administration had previously denied these honors, as Babbitt was inside the Capitol during the unrest. This policy change comes after her family received a nearly $5 million settlement from Trump’s administration, which involved claims against the federal government regarding her death.
Tom Fitton, the chair of Judicial Watch, expressed his gratitude in a tweet, stating that the US Air Force’s decision to restore honors reverses what he called a politically motivated choice by the Biden administration that denied Babbitt and her family the respect they deserve. He also thanked several individuals, including Trump and the Secretary of Defense.
Robert Stitch, a senior advisor for Judicial Watch, had sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on July 23, 2025, urging him to reconsider the earlier decision. Subsequently, Air Force Secretary Matthew L. Lowmeyer confirmed on August 15 that Babbitt’s husband and mother were notified of this reversal.
In his statement, Fitton reflected on the family’s relief, thanking various officials for their roles in changing the denial of funeral honors for Babbitt, who, as an Air Force veteran, is entitled to this recognition.
The Capitol police shot Babbitt when she attempted to enter through a broken window near the speaker’s lobby. Authorities investigated the incident but concluded that there was no criminal misconduct by the officers involved.
Babbitt had served actively in the Air Force from 2004 to 2008 and continued with the Air Force Reserve until 2010, remaining connected to the military until 2016.
The Air Force has confirmed to news outlets that the policy reversal means Babbitt will receive full military funeral honors, which typically include a ceremonial presence of uniformed personnel and the folding of the American flag.
