Three years after the tragic Abbey Gate attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Gold Star parents are voicing their frustration with the Biden-Harris administration.
As reported by Fox News, Mark Schmitz, father of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz directed his criticism at President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the solemn anniversary.
Schmitz appeared on "Fox & Friends" to share his message, emphasizing that Vice President Harris bears as much responsibility for the events as President Biden. The grieving father expressed his concerns about the current administration's policies and their impact on military families.
Mark Schmitz's comments reflect the enduring pain felt by families who lost loved ones in the Abbey Gate attack. He stressed the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future, stating that the administration's actions have been "absolutely shameful."
The father's critique extended beyond the immediate aftermath of the attack, touching on broader concerns about the administration's handling of military affairs. Schmitz voiced his fears for current service members and their families, hoping they would never have to endure similar experiences.
Vice President Harris issued a statement on the anniversary, listing the names of the fallen and pledging to honor their sacrifice. However, her words did little to assuage the anger and disappointment expressed by Gold Star families.
In her statement, Vice President Harris attempted to address the somber occasion by acknowledging the loss and expressing sympathy for the families affected. She emphasized the administration's commitment to caring for troops and their families.
Harris also defended the decision to end America's involvement in Afghanistan, describing it as "courageous and right." She highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to counter terrorist threats without deploying troops into combat zones.
Despite these assurances, Gold Star parents like Schmitz remain unconvinced. The vice president's words appear to have done little to heal the wounds or restore faith in the administration's military policies.
Shana Chappell, mother of Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, who also lost his life in the Abbey Gate attack, shared her perspective on the anniversary. Her comments were particularly pointed, directly attributing her son's death to the actions of the Biden-Harris administration.
Chappell stated:
The Biden administration is 100% at fault for why my son lost his life, and now I look at the way our country is going, and I think this is not what my son died for. He did not die to watch our country go down the path that's going.
In response to the continued criticism from Gold Star families, the National Security Council has attempted to convey President Biden's appreciation for service members and their families. NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson highlighted the President's attendance at dignified transfer ceremonies and his ongoing commitment to honoring fallen service members.
As the nation marks three years since the Abbey Gate attack, the pain and controversy surrounding the event continue to resonate. The criticisms voiced by Gold Star parents serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of military operations and the lasting impact on families left behind. While the administration attempts to address these concerns, the wounds remain fresh for those who lost loved ones in the attack, keeping the debate over accountability and policy decisions at the forefront of discussions about military affairs and foreign policy.
