Gold Star dad claims Biden-Harris administration refused to honor fallen Afghanistan soldiers in California.
In 2021, during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, 13 US service members tragically lost their lives in a suicide bombing.
On Thursday, a group of California lawmakers will pay tribute to four of the 13 U.S. service members who tragically died during the Biden administration's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Bill Essayli, a Republican Assemblyman, intends to recognize Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, who was among the service members killed in a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport during an evacuation. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 180 civilians.
On Thursday, at the California State Capitol, four service members were honored, and they were all from California.
In an exclusive interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Essayli revealed that he was deeply affected by Gold Star father Herman Lopez's speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he paid tribute to his son, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, who was killed in a suicide bombing.
"Essayli expressed his sentiment, saying, "I was deeply moved and inquired of my staff, 'Have we honored these families in the Capitol?' They couldn't recall any such action. I suggested inviting the families to the Capitol to pay tribute on the anniversary, which I believed was fitting and suitable. My staff agreed, and we proceeded with the plan.""
Gold Star families will be honored with memorial resolutions presented by Essayli and his colleagues, followed by brief tributes from district representatives about each fallen service member.
Steve Nikoui, a Gold Star father who lost his son Kareem in the bombing and will attend the ceremony, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that the past three years have been incredibly challenging. Just a year after losing Kareem, his other son took his own life.
Nikoui stated, "I did what was right, as most people would do. I spent the initial years recovering." He fought back tears before directing his fury at the Biden administration.
Nikoui stated that during that time, the administration consistently denied their service, sacrifice, and the truth, while refusing to inform the American people.
During his State of the Union address in March, President Biden was heckled by Nikoui, who repeatedly shouted "Abbey Gate" in reference to the location of the suicide bombing that occurred on Aug. 26, 2021.
The charges against Nikoui, who was later removed from the House gallery by Capitol Police and arrested on a misdemeanor charge of crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, were later dropped by Brian Schwalb, the Democrat attorney general in Washington, D.C.
Biden missed an opportunity to unite the country by not honoring fallen U.S. service members during his State of the Union address, according to Nikoui.
""He opted to pay tribute to his son's name instead. In my opinion, that decision has led to the downfall of this administration. As a result, our civilization, society, and America have suffered consequences. This withdrawal has caused great pain," Nikoui stated."
Democrats were criticized for not taking the initiative to honor fallen U.S. service members.
According to Essayli, Democrats are skilled at expressing concern for veterans and appearing to support them, but their actions do not match their words. Despite their frequent promises to honor and assist veterans, Essayli believes that their failure to take initiative and perform ceremonies demonstrates a lack of genuine commitment. Additionally, Essayli points out that California lawmakers have recognized the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group that parodies the Catholic faith, further highlighting their inconsistency in prioritizing the needs of veterans.
Essayli stated that he hopes the ceremony on Thursday will emphasize the two options the American public has in the November election: former President Trump, who he commended for not initiating any new conflicts, and Vice President Harris, who embodies the legacy of the Biden administration.
""Leadership is crucial and weakness is inflammatory, as Essayli stated, and that is my message," he said."
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