Greenville, Texas — A significant announcement was made Friday during the 1A Film Fest at the historic Texan Theater: Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran who was fatally shot during the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, will have her military honors reinstated.
Babbitt’s mother, Micki Witthoeft, shared the news with the audience, stating that the United States Air Force will restore her daughter’s military status, allowing for a formal military funeral and ceremony. The announcement was met with a standing ovation from attendees.
Ashli Babbitt served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force, including deployments to Afghanistan and a post at the Pentagon. Her military honors were previously withheld following her death, which occurred during the Capitol breach when she was shot by Capitol Police officer Lt. Michael Byrd.
Best news about J6 since J6!
Ashli Babbitt’s military honors have been restored!
Thanks President Trump @POTUS for continuing to fight for our J6ers!
Thank you Micki @michellewittho1 for sharing the good news with us & the https://t.co/X5trRJlLh6 @1AFilmFest 2nd annual event! pic.twitter.com/ZrROQCJUPg
— StopHate.com🛑 (@HelpStopHate) August 25, 2025
In the years since her death, Babbitt’s family has maintained that she was unjustly denied the honors due to political controversy. According to Witthoeft, efforts to arrange a proper military funeral were repeatedly rejected by funeral homes due to the public nature of her daughter’s case. Ultimately, Babbitt’s ashes were scattered at sea without a formal service.
Witthoeft credited former President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and attorney Robert Sticht for their roles in reversing the decision. “This was a huge win for Ashli and our family,” she told The Gateway Pundit in a follow-up interview on Monday.
Witthoeft, affectionately known in activist circles as “Mama Micki,” has been a visible figure in advocating for those arrested in connection with the January 6 events. She moved to Washington, D.C., following her daughter’s death and organized nightly vigils outside the D.C. jail where many January 6 defendants were held.
Daily Reminder
It’s been 2058 days since the murder of Ashli Babbitt and Michael Byrd is still walking around free.#JusticeForAshliBabbit pic.twitter.com/xgwqa7HzUC
— Kat™ The Hammer ⚒️ (@KatTheHammer1) August 25, 2025
“I hope this will help other January 6 families receive justice as well,” she said during the announcement. Plans for Babbitt’s military service are currently in development, pending further coordination with defense officials.