Reflecting on the Abbey Gate Tragedy
Four years ago, a devastating chapter in our nation’s history unfolded when terrorists executed a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. This heinous act claimed the lives of 13 American service members, leaving families shattered and communities grieving. The unbearable loss resonated deeply, renewing a solemn vow to honor those patriots.
In light of this tragedy, President Trump signed a declaration just yesterday, marking the eve of the anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack. This incident not only claimed the lives of 13 servicemen but also severely injured 32 others and wounded around 170 Afghan citizens.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with the families of the fallen in the Oval Office. It was a profound experience to listen to their stories and learn about the cherished individuals they lost. This contrasts starkly with President Biden’s response during the transfer of their remains, where, reportedly, he distracted himself by checking his watch repeatedly.
It’s troubling that the one accountable for the chaos in Kabul did not meet with these grieving families at the White House. In fact, he didn’t even attend a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery last year—an opportunity that President Trump seized, ensuring these families were approached with respect and compassion.
As someone who served as the senior director of counterterrorism under the re-elected president, I initially thought addressing the ISIS planner known as “Jafar” would be among our most complex challenges. But, to my surprise, as Trump often said, “Make the impossible seem easy.” In just a short time into the second term, I saw the fulfillment of promises made during the campaign.
Over the past two decades, American leaders have made critical mistakes that have led to an ongoing “eternal war,” inflicting immense financial and emotional costs on our nation. Many decision-makers, often entrenched in their careers, overlooked factual threat assessments for misguided narratives that served their partisan interests, thereby endangering Americans.
This has necessitated a complete overhaul of our counterterrorism policies and anti-terrorism practices, shifting focus from trivialities, like labeling certain citizens as “domestic terrorists,” to addressing the actual threats posed by jihadist groups.
Since President Trump authorized our first counterterrorism strike early in his new administration, we have neutralized numerous jihadists and rescued hostages. The U.S. is actively re-engaged in its counterterrorism efforts, reassured by our commitments to safeguard American lives.
On this day, we take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I sincerely hope that justice for “Jafar” brings some closure to the grieving families. Ultimately, we draw inspiration from their dedication to complete the mission set out in the wake of September 12.
As we reflect, let us remember their names:
- Staff Sergeant Dallin T. Hoover, USMC
- Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichard, USMC
- Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, USMC
- Corp Hunter Lopez, USMC
- Corp Daegan W. Page, USMC
- Corp Humberto A. Sanchez, USMC
- Lance Corp David L. Espinoza, USMC
- Lance Corp Jared M. Schmitz, USMC
- Lance Corp Rylee J. McCollum, USMC
- Lance Corp Dylan R. Merola, USMC
- Lance Corp. Kareem M. Nikowi, USMC
- Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Sobiak, USN
- US Sergeant Ryan C. North
Dr. Sebastian Gorka served as the deputy aide to President Trump on the U.S. National Security Council, focusing on counterterrorism and formerly as a national security editor.
