The narratives around Ashli Babbitt
The bottom line: To some, Babbitt was an innocent protester who presented no real safety threat, so her death was unjust. To others, Babbitt was part of a mob attacking the Capitol building, and Lt. Byrd did what he had to do to protect members of Congress and others in the building.
What else is each side focusing on?
To many on the left…
- Babbitt committed a crime by storming the Capitol and should be considered a domestic terrorist.
- The use of lethal force against Babbitt in this dangerous situation is justified.
To many on the right…
- Babbitt was a veteran and a true patriot who presented no real threat.
- Babbitt was exercising her constitutional right to protest an unjust election.
- The left is trying to shut down and censor debates around Babbitt’s death.
The Narrative
Babbitt was a domestic terrorist trying to violently quash American democracy. Lt. Byrd was justified in shooting Babbitt because the events of January 6th were a threat to democracy, amounting to treason.
Trump is largely to blame for what happened at the Capitol on January 6th because he pushed lies about the 2020 election.
Babbitt has become a symbol of the struggle against an unjust political system. Lt. Byrd was unjustified in shooting Babbitt, who didn’t pose a threat to anyone. She was merely expressing her concern with the insecurity and fraud of the election.
The left is being hypocritical when advocating for justice for George Floyd — a criminal — while celebrating the death of a patriot like Babbitt. Their attempts to censor information around her death amounts to facism.
To many on the left…
- Babbitt committed a crime by storming the Capitol and should be considered a domestic terrorist.
- The use of lethal force against Babbitt in this dangerous situation is justified.
The narrative: Babbitt was a domestic terrorist trying to violently quash American democracy. Lt. Byrd was justified in shooting Babbitt because the events of January 6th were a threat to democracy, amounting to treason.
Trump is largely to blame for what happened at the Capitol on January 6th because he pushed lies about the 2020 election.
To many on the right…
- Babbitt was a veteran and a true patriot who presented no real threat.
- Babbitt was exercising her constitutional right to protest an unjust election.
- The left is trying to shut down and censor debates around Babbitt’s death.
The narrative: Babbitt is a symbol of the struggle against an unjust political system. Lt. Byrd was unjustified in shooting Babbitt, who didn’t pose a threat to anyone. She was merely expressing her concern with the insecurity and fraud of the election.
The left is being hypocritical when advocating for justice for George Floyd — a criminal — while celebrating the death of a patriot like Babbitt. Their attempts to censor information around her death amounts to facism.
To better understand why we view Babbitt’s death so differently, check out our deep dive into views on the integrity of the 2020 election and the actions taken by protestors at the Capitol on January 6th.
How do your views and opinions on the 2020 election or the events at the Capitol on January 6th impact your view of Ashli Babbitt as either a terrorist or patriot?