It seems like the dust never truly settles on the events of January 6th, 2021. Just when you think you’ve heard it all, a new development pops up that gets everyone talking. The latest? Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who tragically lost her life during the Capitol riot, has been offered full military funeral honors by the Air Force. This news, confirmed by officials, has certainly raised some eyebrows and reignited a whole lot of discussion.
Babbitt, 35, was among the crowd that day protesting the 2020 election results. She was shot by a U.S. Capitol Police lieutenant while attempting to climb through a broken window. While the Justice Department and Capitol Police cleared the officer of wrongdoing, Babbitt’s death has become a rallying cry for some, who view her as a martyr. It’s a complex situation, to say the least, with strong opinions on all sides.
This decision by the Air Force comes after a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Babbitt’s estate against the U.S. government was settled for nearly $5 million. It’s a move that some see as an attempt to rewrite the narrative of January 6th, especially given former President Trump’s continued efforts to reframe the events of that day. Indeed, Trump has consistently referred to the rioters as
“patriots” and “political prisoners.”
For those who want to delve deeper into the events of that day, the January 6th Committee report provides a comprehensive overview. And if you’re curious about what exactly military funeral honors entail, you can find more information on the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
So, what does this all mean? It’s hard to say for sure. But one thing is clear: the story of Ashli Babbitt and the January 6th Capitol riot is far from over. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in the court of public opinion.