Wed Sep 25 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## From Grief to Activism: The Mother of Ashli Babbitt Finds Her Voice in D.C.
**Washington, D.C.** – In the second episode of “We Live Here Now,” a new podcast from The Atlantic, we delve deeper into the story of Micki Witthoeft, the mother of Ashli Babbitt, the only person killed during the January 6th Capitol riot. After her daughter’s death, Witthoeft moved to Washington, D.C., seeking justice and finding an unexpected community of supporters.
The episode follows journalist Lauren Ober as she attends nightly vigils held outside the D.C. jail, where individuals arrested for their involvement in the riot are incarcerated. Witthoeft and her housemates organize these vigils, viewing the jailed individuals as “patriots” and “political prisoners” rather than insurrectionists.
Ober describes the vigils as a bizarre mix of a never-ending funeral and a MAGA rally, with somber chants for Babbitt followed by phone calls from the detainees, who often express their grievances against the government and their belief in being unfairly targeted.
Witthoeft’s life, once described as “blissfully ignorant” and focused on family and simple pleasures, has been irrevocably altered by her daughter’s death. She initially retreated into grief but eventually emerged with a newfound purpose, becoming an active advocate for those she believes were wrongly imprisoned.
A turning point came when Congressman Paul Gosar, known for his far-right views and support of overturning the 2020 election, began publicly referencing Babbitt and questioning the circumstances surrounding her death. Gosar invited Witthoeft to a Turning Point USA event, where he introduced her to a large audience, framing Babbitt as a martyr. This exposure brought Witthoeft into the spotlight and solidified her role as a figurehead within the January 6th movement.
The episode highlights how the narrative surrounding January 6th has shifted, with some voices, including influential figures like Gosar, promoting an alternate reality where the events are portrayed as a political witch hunt against patriotic Americans. Witthoeft’s story is a prime example of this evolution, demonstrating how grief can be weaponized and manipulated to advance political agendas.
“We Live Here Now” offers a compelling examination of the complexities of the January 6th aftermath and the evolving narrative surrounding those involved. It provides a glimpse into the lives of those caught in the crossfire of political discourse and the potent blend of grief, anger, and ideology that fuels their actions.
First Piper 