Joe Biden recently met with the families of the fallen U.S. service members who lost their lives in a tragic suicide bombing at Kabul Airport. This meeting took place during a solemn ceremony known as a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base. However, this encounter was overshadowed by controversy when Biden was seen checking the time on his watch just before the caskets were brought out. Many believe this moment reflected poorly on his respect for the grieving families.
The incident in question occurred on August 26, when a Taliban suicide bomber exploited crowded conditions to kill 13 U.S. servicemen and over 170 Afghan civilians. Critics have pointed to Biden’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan as a significant factor that led to this tragedy. Notably, one of those killed was Marine Rylee McCollum from Bondurant, Wyoming, who had only been deployed for three weeks and was soon to become a father. His mother has publicly blamed Biden for her son’s death, expressing her anger during their brief meeting.
Reports suggest that tensions were high during these interactions with Gold Star families. According to some family members, they waited for an extended period—up to three hours—before Biden arrived because he allegedly fell asleep on his plane prior to the meeting. Roice McCollum, Rylee’s sister, shared her frustration about having to wait while stating that it felt disrespectful for them to be left waiting for so long.
Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, and Darin Hoover, father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover—both victims of the Kabul blast—also expressed their discontent regarding Biden’s tardiness and demeanor during this painful time. Hoover described feeling like they sat in limbo waiting for “the doddering old fool,” which captures how many family members perceived Biden’s lack of urgency or empathy.
Despite being absent from key planning discussions surrounding the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden did show up at Dover Air Force Base to greet the caskets of those who died in Kabul—a move that many found insincere given his earlier actions that day.
The grief-stricken families are now speaking out more forcefully against what they perceive as disrespectful behavior from President Biden during one of their darkest moments. They feel that their loved ones’ sacrifices have not been honored properly by an administration that they believe has mishandled critical national security issues.
As more details emerge about these meetings and the events leading up to them, public sentiment continues to shift regarding how leaders should respond in times of national tragedy. The fallout from these encounters may linger as families seek justice and recognition for their loved ones’ sacrifices.
What are your thoughts on how President Biden handled this situation? Share your comments below!
Source: Steadfast Nation
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