Trump Reaches Out to Ashli Babbitt’s Husband After Capitol Riot

On the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Aaron Babbitt, the husband of Ashli Babbitt, revealed that former President Donald Trump contacted him shortly after her death. In an interview on Newsmax, Babbitt expressed that Trump’s outreach profoundly impacted his confidence. He recalled, “It was July of 2021 that he called me and said her name at a rally that night, and then I knew I had friends in the right places at that point.”

Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran and QAnon supporter from San Diego, was shot by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to enter the Speaker’s Lobby through a broken window during the riot. Her death quickly became a focal point for some Republicans, who portrayed her as a “martyr” and questioned the actions of the officer involved. The Department of Justice later stated that the officer acted in self-defense to protect lawmakers and staff from the violent mob.

Following an internal investigation, the Capitol Police determined that the officer’s actions were consistent with his training. Lt. Michael Byrd, the officer who fired the shot, later expressed his conviction that he saved lives that day, stating, “I know members of Congress, as well as my fellow officers and staff, were in jeopardy and in serious danger. And that’s my job.”

During the recent Newsmax interview, Aaron Babbitt criticized Byrd, alleging that he did not provide his wife an opportunity to surrender. He claimed that “she would have complied if she was given the opportunity but she was not.” This sentiment echoes earlier statements he made, emphasizing his belief in Byrd’s unprofessional conduct.

Trump’s involvement in the narrative surrounding Babbitt intensified after he left office. He frequently referred to her as “an innocent, wonderful, incredible woman” and lamented that she had been shot for “no reason.” He also reached out to her mother, Micki Witthoeft, encouraging her to appear at rallies to advocate for Babbitt’s legacy. Witthoeft has described her daughter as having “made the ultimate sacrifice to bring attention to a stolen election.”

In a notable development, Trump pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding Babbitt’s death and subsequently provided a settlement of $5 million to her family. He also arranged for her funeral to be conducted with full military honors, a decision that drew criticism from some lawmakers, including Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego. On the anniversary of the Capitol riot, Gallego stated, “Ashli Babbitt was not a hero. She was part of the violent mob that tried to overturn our democracy… She did not die defending her country. She died trying to tear it down.”

On the same day, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and others retraced the route taken by the rioters, stating their intention was to “memorialize and celebrate the life of Ashli Babbitt and many others that lost their lives that day.” This act of commemoration underscores the ongoing division surrounding the events of January 6 and the different interpretations of Babbitt’s actions and legacy.

As the nation reflects on the events surrounding the Capitol riot, the narrative of Ashli Babbitt remains a contentious topic, illustrating the deep political divisions and differing perspectives on the day’s significance in American history.