Father of Marine slain at Abbey Gate ‘disturbed’ that Democrats refused to applaud arrest of ISIS-K mastermind

Gold Star father Mark Schmitz, who tragically lost his son Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz in the ISIS-K attack on Abbey Gate in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021, has expressed his disappointment in the Democrats’ reaction to the recent arrest of one of the masterminds behind the attack. The lack of bipartisan support for this significant development has left Schmitz feeling disturbed.

President Donald Trump took the opportunity during his address to Congress to announce the arrest of Mohmmad Sharifullah, who played a role in planning the ISIS-K suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. This news should have been met with unanimous applause and support from both sides of the political spectrum. However, only a third of Democrats applauded the news, and none joined their Republican colleagues in giving a standing ovation.

Schmitz emphasized that the death of American service members should never be a partisan issue. As a Gold Star family member, he found it incredibly insulting that there was a lack of unity in acknowledging the arrest of one of the perpetrators behind the attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and many Afghan civilians.

Despite the lack of bipartisan support, Schmitz remains focused on honoring his son’s memory and the other fallen heroes through the establishment of a foundation called “Freedom 13.” This foundation aims to provide housing for veterans in the form of “freedom camps” where they can retreat to for healing and camaraderie. Each camp will have 13 houses, symbolizing the 13 service members who lost their lives in the attack.

While Schmitz acknowledges that there is still much work to be done in bringing justice to all those responsible for the attack, he is hopeful that the recent arrest is a step in the right direction. He believes that the Trump administration has shown support for Gold Star families and veterans, providing them with allies in their pursuit of closure and accountability.

In the wake of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the tragic loss of American lives, Schmitz’s dedication to honoring his son’s legacy and supporting fellow veterans is a testament to the resilience and strength of Gold Star families. Through “Freedom 13,” he hopes to create a lasting impact that honors the sacrifices made by those who served their country with valor and bravery.