By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Air Force has offered full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, a rioter fatally shot during the January 6th Capitol riot, as confirmed by officials. Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who protested the 2020 election results, was shot while attempting to breach the House chamber. This decision follows advocacy from conservative groups and comes after the Justice Department and Capitol Police cleared the officer involved in her death of any wrongdoing. Despite this, Babbitt’s death has become a rallying point for right-wing groups, with her estate having recently settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government.
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Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt offered full military funeral, Air Force confirms, and the reaction is, well, let’s just say it’s a lot. The core of the issue, it seems, is a fundamental disagreement about what constitutes respect, patriotism, and the very definition of treason. The news that Babbitt, who died attempting to breach the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, would receive a full military funeral has ignited a firestorm of anger and disbelief.
The fundamental problem, from a multitude of perspectives, appears to be that Ashli Babbitt was, by definition, committing treason. The accounts vividly describe her actions as an active attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a violent breach of the Capitol, and a direct confrontation with armed officers. These actions, in the eyes of many, firmly place her in the category of traitor, someone who violated her oath and betrayed her country.
And the depth of the outrage is palpable. It’s not just a matter of disagreeing with the decision; it’s a profound sense of betrayal. Many express that this decision spits on the graves of veterans, dishonors those who have served with honor and sacrifice, and is a gross rewriting of history. The fact that someone who allegedly violated her oath and participated in an insurrection is being honored in this way is seen as an insult to all true patriots.
Furthermore, there is a concern over the message this sends. It’s argued that by offering a full military funeral, the Air Force is, in effect, celebrating treason. The concern is that this could be interpreted as supporting the very actions that Babbitt took on January 6th. The question repeatedly asked is, “Are we now rewarding traitors?” And the answer, from those voicing their opinions here, is a resounding “no.”
The specific details of the funeral itself seem to matter less than the principle. While the exact honors – the folding of the flag, the playing of Taps – are mentioned, the primary focus is on the broader implications. The argument is that regardless of the specific details, a full military funeral for someone who committed treason is wrong.
The underlying sentiment is one of deep-seated disappointment and a feeling that the values of the country are being eroded. This is a country where people are expected to uphold certain standards. The outrage at this decision is less about Ashli Babbitt and more about the principles she is perceived to have violated.
Another point brought up is the nature of Babbitt’s beliefs. The comments highlight her embrace of conspiracy theories like “Pizzagate” and QAnon, which are seen as contributing factors to her actions on January 6th. These beliefs are presented as evidence of a warped worldview that fueled her participation in the insurrection.
The comments also reflect a profound sense of disillusionment with the current state of the country. The outrage is often amplified by the perception that the country has become a joke, that up is down, and down is up.
The idea that Babbitt might have been treated as she was, that she received money for her death, is a further offense. It’s a question of morality. The idea that she should have been given a proper funeral service is seen as absurd considering her transgressions, that is how the conversation went. The anger is palpable, fueled by a sense of injustice and a deep-seated frustration with the current political climate.