Trump Visits Arlington National Cemetery On Anniversary Of Abbey Gate Attack

It was on this date in 2021 that 13 American service members were killed in a terrorist bombing during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Three years later, the tragedy remains politically charged and former President Donald Trump didn't miss the opportunity to send a strong message on Monday.

Trump was campaigning in Michigan Monday afternoon, but he made a brief stop in the nation's capital Monday morning to show solidarity with the families of those killed three years ago.

The Republican presidential nominee joined the families of Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss in laying wreaths in their memory at Arlington National Cemetery. They were three of the thirteen Americans killed in a twin suicide bomb attack at the Abbey Gate outside the Kabul airport. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which came in the midst of an evacuation set in motion by Trump before he left office, but ultimately handled by President Biden.

“[T]he most EMBARRASSING moment in the history of our Country.” Trump posted on Monday on Truth Social. “Gross Incompetence — 13 DEAD American soldiers, hundreds of people wounded and dead.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin also went to social media to address the Gold Star families, saying “ … your loved ones' service and sacrifice will never be forgotten — and we owe it to you to deliver accountability for those responsible for their tragic loss.”

The blame that Republicans initially put on Biden is now being shifted to include his vice president and just coronated Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

At a recent rally in North Carolina, Trump was lamenting all the U.S. military equipment that was left behind and is now being used by the Taliban: “And they're all celebrating because we have stupid people running our government and she'll be worse than Biden.”

Harris defends Biden's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and put an end to the nation's longest war, one that he didn't start. While she was off the campaign trail Monday, Harris issued a statement remembering the victims and their families: “My heart breaks for their pain and their loss. These 13 devoted patriots represent the best of America, putting our beloved nation and their fellow Americans above themselves.”