Families of the 13 U.S. Marines killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 have accused President Joe Biden of disrespectful behavior, alleging he kept them waiting for hours while he slept aboard Air Force One.
The claims, which have reignited criticisms of the administration’s handling of the withdrawal, add another layer of controversy to one of the most fraught moments of Biden’s presidency.
The incident reportedly took place on August 29, 2021, during a solemn dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base. It was meant to honor the service members who lost their lives in a suicide bombing outside Kabul Airport just days earlier. According to multiple family members, President Biden delayed the ceremony for approximately three hours.
President Biden Accused of INSULTING Afghanistan Fallen Marines’ Families by Keeping Them Waiting HOURS To Take Beauty Nap On Air Force One
Roice McCollum, sister of Marine Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, claimed a military officer informed the families that the president was “napping” aboard Air Force One. Speaking out against what she described as a lack of decorum, McCollum stated, “He made us wait an extra three hours to receive the bodies of our dead family members because he couldn’t pull it together.”
The devastating attack at Kabul Airport occurred on August 26, 2021, amid a frantic evacuation effort following the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. A Taliban suicide bomber infiltrated the dense crowds, killing 13 U.S. service members and more than 170 Afghan civilians.
Critics argue the rushed and poorly planned withdrawal created the conditions for the attack. Some military families have claimed Biden was not actively involved in key decisions during the withdrawal, a claim the administration denies.
Darin Hoover, father of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, described the experience as deeply disrespectful. “We sat there for what felt like an eternity, waiting on the president,” he said. “It was beyond frustrating and hurtful.” Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, echoed these sentiments, saying, “It was a gut punch to an already unbearable day of mourning.”
White House Denies Allegations
In response to the accusations, the White House issued a statement denying claims that the president was asleep during the delay. A spokesperson defended Biden’s actions, emphasizing his respect and gratitude for the service members and their families.
“The President honors these families, who have given more to their nation than anyone ever could, and holds them in the highest regard,” the statement read. It also referenced Biden’s comments on the anniversary of the attack, where he described the fallen as “patriots in the highest sense” and pledged to honor their legacy.
Families Divided Over Biden’s Conduct
The controversy underscores the strained relationship between some military families and the Biden administration following the Afghanistan withdrawal. While many families have expressed anger over the administration’s handling of the crisis, others have focused on honoring the memory of their loved ones rather than criticizing political leaders.
Supporters of the president argue that the allegations lack substantiation and are politically motivated. Detractors, however, see the delays and perceived insensitivity as emblematic of broader issues in leadership and crisis management during the withdrawal.
