Treasure Coast Sun

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) stood in support of Steve Nikoui, the father of Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, who tragically lost his life in the terrorist attack at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport. Rep. Mast's statement came in response to Nikoui's recent arrest after an outburst during the State of the Union address.

In a heartfelt declaration, Rep. Mast expressed, "Mr. Nikoui lost his son due to Joe Biden’s incompetence, and lost another son to grief over his brother being killed. This man and his family have given America more than I could personally bear and to attack him with a BS charge of ‘demonstrating’ is a disgrace."

Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui had joined the Marine Corps in 2019 and was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge. Tragically, he was one of the 13 U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives during the chaotic withdrawal from the region.

Steve Nikoui's anguish was further compounded when his other son took his own life just days before the one-year anniversary of Kareem's death. Nikoui and his wife, Shana Chappell, have been vocal critics of President Biden's decisions leading up to the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan.

During the State of the Union address, Nikoui stood up and called out "Abbey Gate," along with his son's name, before being escorted out of the House gallery and detained. Rep. Mast, showing solidarity with Nikoui, accompanied him during the interrogation at the United States Capitol Police headquarters past midnight.

The tragic losses faced by the Nikoui family serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and the lasting impact of decisions made at the highest levels of government. Rep. Mast's unwavering support for Steve Nikoui echoes the sentiment of many Americans who recognize and honor the sacrifices made by individuals like the Nikoui family in service to their country.