Who is Ashley Babbitt and GoFundMe?

Ashli Babbitt was a 35-year-old Air Force veteran and supporter of former President Donald Trump who was fatally shot by a police officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection in Washington D.C. Babbitt was among the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Her death became a subject of controversy, with some questioning the use of lethal force by law enforcement.

Following Babbitt's death, multiple fundraisers were set up on GoFundMe, a popular crowdfunding platform, to raise money for her funeral expenses and support her family. However, GoFundMe removed these fundraisers for violating their terms of service, which prohibit campaigns in support of individuals who have committed or are charged with serious crimes.

Despite the removal of the fundraisers on GoFundMe, Babbitt's death has become a rallying cry for some right-wing groups, who view her as a martyr and hero of the January 6 insurrection. Some supporters have set up alternative fundraising efforts on other platforms, such as GiveSendGo and Christian crowdfunding site GiveSendGo, which have less restrictive policies on controversial or political campaigns. These campaigns have received significant attention and financial support, with some raising tens of thousands of dollars.

In summary, Ashley Babbitt was a participant in the January 6 Capitol insurrection who was fatally shot by a police officer. GoFundMe removed fundraisers for her following her death due to violations of their terms of service, but alternative fundraising efforts have been set up on other platforms.