Father of Fallen Marine Criticizes Political Response to ISIS-K Arrest
The father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, killed alongside 12 other U.S. service members in an ISIS-K attack at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, has voiced strong criticism regarding the political response following the arrest of one of the attack’s masterminds. Mark Schmitz remarked that the muted reaction from Democrats was “disturbing” and indicated a troubling trend in bipartisan support for military sacrifices.
Announcement of Arrest Sparks Mixed Reactions
Former President Donald Trump announced on March 2 that Mohmmad Sharifullah had been arrested. The Justice Department identified Sharifullah as a significant figure in planning the suicide bombing that claimed 13 American lives and resulted in the deaths of approximately 170 Afghan civilians as desperate citizens fled the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan. This announcement, however, did not elicit a unified response from Congress.
“This should not be a partisan issue whatsoever – the death of our kids,” Schmitz told Fox News Digital.
Disappointing Applause from Congress
Despite the gravity of the situation, Schmitz noted that only about a third of Democrats applauded the news, with none standing alongside their Republican counterparts in a show of support. He expressed his disbelief at the lack of enthusiasm, saying, “You would think that every single person in that place would be standing up and applauding and cheering.”
As a Gold Star family member, Schmitz found the insufficient response “incredibly insulting.” He emphasized that the issue transcends politics, stating, “This is our military we’re talking about, and that needs to change.” His sentiment resonated with other families who have similarly criticized the administration for its perceived lack of acknowledgment regarding their fallen loved ones.
Biden’s Silence and Reactions from Gold Star Families
Families of servicemen killed during the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan have expressed their disappointment over President Joe Biden’s failure to mention their children’s sacrifices in his addresses to Congress since the attack. Schmitz noted that from the onset, there was a lack of communication, particularly recalling a controversial meeting between Biden and Gold Star families at Dover Air Force Base when the remains of the fallen were returned.
The president faced significant backlash for what many perceived as a disrespectful demeanor during the solemn ceremony, specifically for checking his watch multiple times. This incident has compounded frustrations regarding transparency and accountability surrounding the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and their loved ones’ deaths.
A Step Towards Justice
Amidst the turmoil and political divide, Schmitz acknowledged that the recent arrest of an ISIS-K mastermind brings a measure of justice. “Any time you can start to get a little bit of closure is always a good thing,” he stated. While he recognized the significance of Sharifullah’s capture, he remains focused on the bigger picture: “To find out that they got this guy is amazing. There are many more that need to be looked at – certainly, he’s not the only one. This is one down and many more to go, but I’m very, very confident that we’re going to start seeing some answers.”
Creating a Legacy Through The Freedom 13
In memory of his son and the 12 other service members who perished in the attack, Schmitz has launched a nonprofit organization called The Freedom 13. This initiative aims to build “freedom camps” for veterans, providing a safe space for healing and connection among service members. The first camp, set to be established in Missouri—the home state of Jared Schmitz—will serve as a model for future camps across the country.
Each camp will encompass at least 100 acres and will feature 13 houses, symbolically representing the 13 service members lost during the tragic event. While Schmitz acknowledges that additional support is required to expand these veteran retreats, he remains optimistic, noting that under the previous administration, families now “have allies in our corner.”
Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Support
Mark Schmitz’s poignant remarks serve as a clarion call for unity among political leaders, especially when it comes to honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by American service members. As he continues to advocate for his son’s legacy and for the veterans who fight to protect our freedoms, the hope for a more supportive and responsive political environment remains crucial for families grappling with such profound loss.
As the nation reflects on the events that unfolded in Afghanistan, it is imperative to bridge the partisan divide and ensure that the sacrifices of these heroes are recognized and honored appropriately, fostering a spirit of unity in remembrance.
