Gold Star Dad Steve Nikoui made headlines after his emotional outburst at President Biden’s State of the Union address last week. Nikoui, the father of one of the Marines slain in a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, shouted out his son’s name, demanding recognition from the commander-in-chief.
Steve Nikoui had been waiting for more than two years for President Biden to acknowledge his son’s sacrifice during the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan. When Biden failed to mention Afghanistan or the fallen servicemembers, Nikoui couldn’t hold back any longer. He stood up and shouted, “Do you remember Abbey Gate?” and then called out his son’s name and rank.
Nikoui’s emotional outburst led to his arrest and charges of “crowd obstructing or incommoding.” However, he expressed that he felt compelled to speak out and ensure that his son’s name was finally heard in the chamber.
During the State of the Union, Biden also received backlash for mispronouncing the name of Laken Riley, a Georgia student allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant. Nikoui’s actions highlighted the frustration felt by many Gold Star families who have not received the acknowledgment they deserve.
Nikoui also criticized top military officers and called for accountability in the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He praised lawmakers who have worked to keep attention on the loss of life during the evacuation and urged Americans to follow the upcoming congressional hearings on the matter.
The emotional toll of losing his son was further highlighted by the tragic death of Kareem Nikoui’s brother in 2022. Nikoui emphasized the devastating impact of his son’s death on his family and criticized President Biden for his handling of the situation.
In honor of Cpl. Nikoui, a bill was passed to rename the Marine’s hometown post office in his honor. The story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemembers and the ongoing struggles faced by their families.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
