Staff Reports
In a stunning turn of events, Capitol Police arrested Steve Nikoui, a Gold Star father, for speaking out during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. This courageous father, who tragically lost his son, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, in the ISIS-K bombing during the chaotic and disastrous American withdrawal from Afghanistan, dared to confront Biden and demand recognition for his son’s sacrifice. But instead of being met with empathy and understanding, he was forcibly silenced by the long arm of the law.
Republicans decry arrest of Gold Star father for heckling Biden at State of the Union https://t.co/cc0qeUfbYC https://t.co/cc0qeUfbYC
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 10, 2024
The Capitol Police claim that Nikoui was violating some D.C. code by expressing his frustration with the President, even after being warned to stop. But come on, folks! This is America, where our fundamental right to free speech should never be trampled on, especially for a grieving father who just wants his son to be remembered and honored by the Commander-in-Chief.
Nikoui’s guest at the State of the Union address, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), denounced the arrest, rightfully calling out Biden for ignoring the sacrifices made by brave servicemen like Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui. Mast brought to light the fact that Biden has never even acknowledged the loss of these heroes and has the audacity to tout the disastrous Afghan withdrawal as a success. It’s truly disgraceful how this administration has downplayed the sacrifices made by our military men and women.
Even House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) stood up for Nikoui, disclosing that the grieving father had informed him beforehand about his intention to speak out during the President’s address. McCaul emphasized the deep pain and frustration felt by the families of the fallen servicemen, who have been completely disregarded by the Biden administration. Instead of showing empathy and understanding, Biden has callously turned a blind eye to their suffering.
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) also joined the chorus of voices condemning the arrest, highlighting the immense loss suffered by Nikoui, who not only lost his son in the Abbey Gate bombing but also tragically lost another son to suicide over the unbearable grief. To this day, Biden has failed to offer a heartfelt apology or even mention Kareem’s name in public. It’s absolutely shameful that a grieving father was arrested for demanding a mere acknowledgment of his son’s sacrifice at the State of the Union.
The Biden administration’s tragic mishandling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, cannot be brushed aside. The catastrophic failure to protect these brave men and women reflects the utter incompetence and negligence of this administration.
It’s clear that Steve Nikoui’s arrest is a grave injustice and a clear reflection of the callousness displayed by the current administration. The sacrifices of our military heroes must never be overlooked or minimized, and it is unacceptable for a grieving father to be silenced and punished for seeking the recognition his son rightfully deserves. It’s high time for Biden to step up and take responsibility for his administration’s failures and show some basic human decency towards the families who have lost so much.
