Joe Biden SOTU Address: Gold Star Father Steven Nikoui Arrested After Heckling President's Speech
The Gold Star father of a Marine killed during the tumultuous 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan found himself in handcuffs on Thursday night after shouting at President Joe Biden during the SOTU address, according to KTLA5.
Steven Nikoui, invited by Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), yelled "Abbey Gate," referencing the Kabul bombing, in response to Biden's assertion that "America is safer today than when I took office."
Capitol Police swiftly removed Nikoui, charging him with a local misdemeanor for "crowding, obstructing or incommoding."
Kareem Nikoui, Steven's son and a Marine Lance Corporal, was among the 13 US service members tragically killed by a suicide bomber during the evacuation mission in Afghanistan.
The incident occurred as the US withdrew its forces, leaving a lasting impact on the Nikoui family.
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Rep. Dean Phillips Defends Steven Nikoui's Actions
Former Democratic presidential primary candidate Rep. Dean Phillips (Minn.) expressed understanding and defended Gold Star father Steven Nikoui's emotional outburst, citing his own experience as a Gold Star Son, The Hill reports.
Phillips acknowledged the pain Nikoui likely feels after losing his son in Afghanistan.
Despite condemning interruptions during the SOTU address, Phillips questioned the lack of consequences for others, citing Marjorie Taylor Greene's outbursts.
Capitol Police confirmed Nikoui's arrest for disrupting the president's address, noting their prior warnings.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 PM EST, with Nikoui invited to the event by Rep. Brian Mast, who expressed honor in having him as a guest.
Criticism of Joe Biden's Handling of Afghanistan
Rep. Brian Mast continued the critique of President Joe Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, alleging a lack of acknowledgment for those killed at Abbey Gate.
The reference points to the 2021 suicide bombing during the evacuation, a tragic event that claimed the life of Nikoui's son, Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui.
The Gold Star father, Steven Nikoui, and his wife, Shana Chappell, vocal critics of Biden's decisions, particularly the withdrawal, expressed their dissatisfaction.
Mast, in a released statement, accused Joe Biden of attempting to downplay the consequences of the withdrawal, emphasizing his commitment to holding the President accountable for the damage inflicted on national security and American families.
Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui's service in the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton, ended tragically during Operation Allies Refuge in Afghanistan.
The suicide bombing near Hamid Karzai International Airport resulted in over 170 fatalities and left 13 US troops dead, including Nikoui.
The blast, containing military-grade explosives, also wounded 45 U.S. troops, some suffering traumatic brain injuries.
In a development from 2023, an unnamed US official confirmed to USA TODAY that the Taliban had killed the mastermind behind the 2021 attack, a piece of information shedding light on the aftermath of the tragic event.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
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