Gold Star families of the U.S. service members killed during the botched Afghanistan withdrawal are publicly criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris. They are frustrated and heartbroken, claiming that Harris has been avoiding their attempts to seek answers about their loved ones’ deaths at Kabul’s Abbey Gate.
Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Sgt. Nicole Gee, voiced her outrage, demanding, “Why won’t you return a call and explain to us how you call my daughter-in-law’s death a success?” This pointed question reflects the anger and sorrow felt by many of these families, who believe their concerns are being ignored by the administration.
“Vice President Harris. My name is Christie Shamblin. My daughter-in-law, Sergeant Nicole Leanne G, was killed in the Afghanistan exit at Abbeygate on August 26, 2021. This year, for the third year anniversary of her murder, we welcome President Donald J. Trump to Arlington to lay a reef on the tomb of the unknown soldier with our family and to visit Nicole Graveside. President Trump and his team were respectful,” she said. “They listened to our stories and didn’t talk much at all. We welcomed them that day, and they were comfort to our family. Vice President Harris, I ask you, why won’t you return a call and explain to us how you call my daughter-in-law’s death a success? Vice President Harris, why will you not express your condolence is yourself? Why have we never heard from you? And finally, why would you take a day where we celebrated the death of our loved one and use it to disparage not only them but us? President Trump has called. President Trump shows up. President Trump takes the time to hear our loved one’s stories. Why won’t you do the same?”
The situation has been further inflamed by Harris’s recent criticism of former President Trump’s meeting with Gold Star families from the same tragic event.
The families are now accusing Harris of “ghosting” them, expressing deep frustration over her lack of engagement with those directly affected by the withdrawal’s aftermath.
This brewing tension highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and answers, as these families continue to seek closure and understanding about the circumstances that led to the loss of their loved ones.
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden were nowhere to be found today as President Trump joined Gold Star families and soldiers maimed during the Abbey Gate explosion three years ago. During that chaotic and hectic retreat from Afghanistan, 13 American services members were killed and scores were maimed and injured during an attack.
The ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery.
Notably absent from the ceremony were President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Their absence did not go unnoticed, particularly given the context of the event. Trump has been an outspoken critic of the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Trump has repeatedly condemned both Biden and Harris for what he describes as a disastrous exit, which not only led to the loss of American lives but also marked a deeply embarrassing moment on the world stage for the United States.
The families of the fallen servicemembers have also voiced their frustration and grief, with many holding the administration accountable for the deaths of their loved ones.
Trump’s presence at the ceremony, along with the absence of the current president and vice president, underscored the ongoing political and emotional weight surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal. It also highlighted the continuing debate over how the situation was handled and its long-lasting impact on the nation and the military community.
