Air Force Grants Military Funeral Honors to Jan. 6 Veteran Babbitt, Reversing Prior Denial

Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran shot during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, will receive full military funeral honors following a reversal of an earlier decision that had denied her these honors. The Air Force Undersecretary Matthew Lohmeier, in a letter dated August 15, 2025, acknowledged that the prior denial was incorrect after reviewing new information and the circumstances of Babbitt's death. This move comes after a nearly $5 million settlement paid to Babbitt's family by the Trump administration for wrongful death claims. Babbitt's death, ruled lawful by investigators, had been a cause célèbre among Trump supporters, and President Trump embraced her family and framed her as a victim. The military funeral will include traditional elements such as a bugler playing "Taps," an honor guard, and a folded American flag presented to the family. The decision contrasts with ongoing policies under the Trump administration that have targeted transgender service members, including rescinding their retirement benefits.