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Ashli Babbitt was a former military member who gained attention due to her involvement in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Babbitt served in the Air Force for 14 years and many conservatives remember her passing on Memorial Day.
After 14 years in the military, she transitioned to civilian life, where she delved into conservative politics and support for former President Donald Trump.
On Memorial Day, two Trump supporters were denied entry at Arlington National Cemetery as they tried to transport an “Ashli Babbitt Memorial Stone” through the premises. The cemetery denied the truck entry.
Tragically, Babbitt was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speaker’s Lobby inside the Capitol during the riot.
Babbitt’s death has sparked controversy and debate regarding her actions and the circumstances surrounding her shooting.
The details of her life, including her military service, business endeavors, and personal relationships, have been widely covered in the media, contributing to the ongoing discourse about her role in the events of that fateful day.
There was an investigation into the death of Ashli Babbitt. Following the routine process for shootings by Capitol Police officers, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia and the United States Department of Justice investigated Babbitt’s death and made a determination that the shooting was “lawful and within Department policy.”
Additionally, the Department of Justice announced in April that it would not pursue criminal charges, and the Capitol Police have also announced that Lt. Michael Byrd’s actions were “lawful and within Department policy.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia cleared the officer, Lt. Michael Byrd, of wrongdoing, concluding that he acted in self-defense and in the defense of members of Congress.
Babbitt, who had a military background, was described as being deeply involved in far-right politics and expressing fervent support for President Trump.
Her social media presence was marked by postings related to President Trump, QAnon conspiracy theories, and strong political viewpoints.
Details of her personal life, including her military service, business ventures, and personal relationships, have been widely covered in the media, contributing to the ongoing discourse about her role in the events of that fateful day.
It’s important to note that the circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of controversy and intense public debate, with contrasting perspectives on her actions and the response by law enforcement officials.
Following her demise, her Twitter account, which was subsequently removed, was filled with mentions of the QAnon conspiracy. This theory alleges that Trump covertly fought against deep-state adversaries and a group of Satan-worshiping cannibals, involving top Democrats and a child trafficking network, despite lacking evidence.
“Nothing will stop us,” Babbitt tweeted Jan. 5. “They can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours….dark to light!”
In the QAnon community, “The Storm” symbolizes the awaited moment when Trump would expose and eliminate the alleged pedophile group, executing traitors and renewing American glory.
Trump asserts Babbitt was murdered, elevating her to martyrdom in his followers’ eyes, seen on merchandise at Trump events.
A lawyer for Babbitt’s husband has collected $375,000 via a Christian fundraising platform and is considering legal action against the Capitol Police.
Central to the wrongful death allegation is the argument that Ashli Babbitt, a petite former military police officer, would have surrendered peacefully if approached by Capitol officers.
Aaron Babbitt refrained from speaking when approached at their San Diego residence in October.
During an interview on Fox News with Tucker Carlson in June, he expressed distress over negative portrayals of his late wife.