Senator Ruben Gallego’s vicious attack on Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt as a “traitor” attempting to kill cops reveals Democrats’ ongoing war on patriots even after Trump’s 2025 victory.
Story Highlights
- U.S. Air Force reverses Biden denial, offers military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt on August 28, 2025, honoring her veteran service.
- Sen. Gallego (D-AZ) calls Babbitt a “traitor” in failed bid to block honors, escalating partisan smears against January 6 participants.
- Babbitt, shot during Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, while DOJ cleared the officer’s actions as lawful.
- Gallego’s rhetoric ignores Babbitt’s service, fueling conservative outrage over politicized treatment of veterans.
Ashli Babbitt’s Fatal Encounter on January 6
Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and Trump supporter from California, died on January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot. Supporters breached the building to disrupt electoral certification. Babbitt reached the Speaker’s Lobby barricade, a restricted area protecting evacuating lawmakers. A U.S. Capitol Police officer fired one round, striking her left shoulder. She fell and later succumbed to injuries. This incident stood out among other January 6 deaths due to police involvement.
Official Investigations Clear the Officer
The Department of Justice investigated the shooting and closed the case without charges. Prosecutors found insufficient evidence for criminal civil rights violations or D.C. charges. Capitol Police ruled the officer’s conduct lawful, citing the need to protect lawmakers from rioters forcing entry. Babbitt participated in the breach as part of the mob. Official analyses framed her actions as part of an active threat during Congress’s evacuation. No contradictions emerged in core facts across reviews.
Biden Denial and Air Force Reversal in 2025
The Biden administration initially denied military funeral honors for Babbitt, citing circumstances of her death. On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Air Force reversed this after review. An Air Force spokesperson stated: “After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitt’s death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitt’s family.” This decision honored her senior airman service despite political controversy. The move overrode prior denial, spotlighting tensions in veteran benefits.
Gallego’s Failed Push to Strip Honors
Senator Ruben Gallego introduced a resolution to block Babbitt’s military honors. He labeled her a “traitor” and rejected martyr narratives. Gallego argued she died trying to harm police and officials during the riot. His effort failed amid broader debates. This stance drew backlash from conservatives who see it as disrespecting a veteran’s sacrifice. Gallego’s comments revived January 6 divisions, contrasting official clearance of the shooting with his threat portrayal.
Impacts on Veterans and Political Discourse
The Air Force honors provide vindication for Babbitt’s family after years of denial. Trump supporters view it as correction of politicized injustice under Biden. Democrats highlight riot dangers to lawmakers. Short-term, it fuels partisan clashes on January 6 legacy. Long-term, it sets precedent for honors in controversial veteran deaths. Socially, it polarizes views on rioters versus official threats. Politically, it amplifies debates into 2026 cycles, underscoring government overreach concerns.
Sources:
Politico: Air Force offers military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt
DOJ: Department of Justice closes investigation into death of Ashli Babbitt
