President Joe Biden has come under fire after family members of the 13 Marines killed in the Kabul airport bombing accused him of delaying a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base by reportedly napping on Air Force One.
According to new revelations, the incident occurred during the aftermath of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, further intensifying criticism of the administration’s handling of the situation, as the New York Post reports.
The bombing at Abbey Gate outside Kabul International Airport on Aug. 26, 2021, was one of the deadliest attacks of the U.S. withdrawal. Thirteen American service members and more than 170 Afghan civilians lost their lives in the explosion. The attack happened during the final days of the U.S. military’s departure from Afghanistan, a move that ended a 20-year war but left many questioning the administration's execution of the withdrawal. The chaotic nature of the exit created significant backlash, both domestically and internationally.
As part of honoring the fallen soldiers, a "dignified transfer" ceremony was held at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Such ceremonies allow grieving families to witness the return of their loved ones’ remains.
Several family members of the deceased Marines claimed they were forced to wait for hours at Dover while President Biden allegedly napped on Air Force One. Roice McCollum, sister of fallen Marine Rylee McCollum, said the president "made us wait an extra three hours" for the ceremony.
Darin Hoover, father of Marine Darin Taylor Hoover Jr., echoed the frustration. “We sat in that office for what seemed like an eternity waiting,” he said. The delay, they argued, was both unnecessary and disrespectful to the grieving families. The allegation of Biden sleeping during this time was also supported by Christy Shamblin, another relative of a fallen Marine, further fueling outrage among the families.
The White House has denied the claims that the president napped during the transfer ceremony. A spokesperson defended Biden’s actions, emphasizing his respect for the fallen service members and their families. In a statement, the administration reiterated the president’s commitment to honoring those who died. “These 13 Americans -- and the many more that were wounded -- were patriots in the highest sense,” the spokesperson said. The administration also highlighted Biden’s letters to the families, expressing condolences and gratitude for their sacrifices.
The controversy over the alleged delay at Dover occurred in the larger context of widespread criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Many viewed the process as chaotic and poorly executed, with the loss of lives at Abbey Gate underscoring the high cost of the exit. President Biden’s conduct during the Dover ceremony has been scrutinized previously. He faced criticism for appearing to check his watch multiple times while attending the event, which some families found deeply offensive.
These incidents have compounded perceptions of insensitivity from the administration toward the sacrifices made by the military and their families. Critics argue the events at Dover reflect broader issues of leadership and accountability.
The families of the fallen Marines have continued to voice their disappointment in how the ceremony was handled. For them, the reported delay symbolized a lack of understanding or respect for their grief.
Roice McCollum described the situation as deeply upsetting, adding to the pain of losing a loved one. Other relatives echoed her sentiment, questioning the president’s ability to prioritize their needs during such a solemn occasion. Although the administration has attempted to clarify and defend its actions, the families’ stories have resonated with many Americans who are already critical of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
As the fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal continues, the allegations surrounding the Dover ceremony have added to political challenges for the Biden administration. Critics have seized on the controversy as an example of perceived mismanagement and insensitivity. The events have also become a rallying point for those who opposed the withdrawal, with many arguing it could have been handled in a more organized and dignified manner. The backlash from the ceremony has further amplified these voices.
For President Biden, the incident serves as a reminder of the lasting political and emotional ramifications of decisions made during the withdrawal. The grieving families’ accusations have ensured the topic remains in public and political discourse.
