In a dramatic turn of events during President Biden's State of the Union address, Steven Nikoui, a Gold Star father, was led away and arrested for shouting at the President. Nikoui, whose Marine son was killed during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, attended the annual address as a guest of Rep. Brian Mast from Florida.

According to Axios, Nikoui yelled "Abbey Gate" in reference to the bombing in Kabul after President Biden claimed that "America is safer today than when I took office." U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that officers warned him to stop shouting, but when he did not comply, he was removed from the House Galleries.

The Capitol Police spokesperson reported that Nikoui, 51, was arrested and charged with a local misdemeanor offense of "crowding, obstructing or incommoding." Prior to the State of the Union address, Rep. Mast had announced on Instagram that Nikoui would be his guest, highlighting how his Marine son, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui, was killed due to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden's leadership.

Kareem Nikoui was one of the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives in a suicide bombing while involved in the evacuation efforts in Afghanistan. Having joined the Marines right after high school, his sacrifice has deeply impacted his family.

Following Steven Nikoui's arrest, Rep. Mast took to Instagram once again to call out President Biden. In his post, Mast stated that Nikoui was arrested for pleading with Biden to remember his fallen son. Mast criticized Biden for not honoring those killed at Abbey Gate and continuing to hail the catastrophic withdrawal as a success.

The incident during the State of the Union address highlights the continuing emotional toll on families who lost loved ones during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. It serves as a symbol of the deep divide and criticism surrounding President Biden's handling of the situation.

The arrest of Steven Nikoui has sparked a discussion on free speech, emotional distress, and the public's right to express their grievances. While the incident disrupted the event, it underscores the pain and frustration felt by families like the Nikouis, who are seeking accountability and acknowledgement for the loss of their loved ones.

President Biden has yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the wounds inflicted by the Afghanistan withdrawal continue to run deep, both within the military community and among those who question the decision-making process.