President Donald Trump marked the fifth anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing Wednesday by honoring the 13 American servicemembers killed during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and renewing his condemnation of former President Joe Biden’s handling of the operation.
The Aug. 26, 2021, suicide bombing outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul came during the final days of America’s withdrawal as U.S. forces attempted to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies.
Thirteen American servicemembers were killed.
Five years later, Trump commemorated them in a lengthy Truth Social post that combined a tribute to the fallen with a blistering attack on Biden.
“Today, we honor the 13 brave American HEROES who were tragically killed five years ago by evil Jihadi terrorists in Kabul, Afghanistan,” Trump wrote.
He then placed responsibility for the circumstances surrounding the attack squarely on the Biden administration.
“This catastrophe was a result of Sleepy Joe Biden’s totally botched Withdrawal from the Country, which left our wonderful Servicemen and women defenseless, and allowed the Taliban to free thousands of bloodthirsty terrorists and criminals held at Bagram Prison,” Trump said.
“This was one of the greatest atrocities in the History of our Nation, and we can never forget that it was the result of the sheer incompetence of Joe Biden and the Democrats who were in charge.”
The 13 Americans killed that day were Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31; Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23; Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25; Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23; Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20; Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20; Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20; Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22; and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23.
Trump also recalled meeting with Abbey Gate Gold Star families during his 2024 presidential campaign.
“During my 2024 Campaign, I met with the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families, wonderful people and Great Patriots, who were totally ignored and disrespected by the Democrat Party,” Trump wrote.
He said he had promised those families that his administration would pursue justice if he returned to the White House.
“I promised them we would deliver Justice when I returned to the White House — and we have!” Trump continued. “We quickly apprehended the evil mastermind responsible for the deaths of our Service members, and it has been one of my Greatest Honors as Commander in Chief.”
Trump concluded by writing, “May God Bless America, and may God Bless the Abbey Gate Gold Star Families. You will NEVER be forgotten!”
