Family of fallen Marine Corp. Hunter Lopez seeks accountability on his death during Kabul evacuations
The family of Coachella Valley-native, Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez wants accountability surrounding his death.
They gathered this week for a Congressional forum with other Gold Star families of the 13 service members who were killed in the 2021 attack at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan.
(bottom row left to right) Ryan Knauss, Hunter Lopez, Johanny Rosario, Humberto Sanchez, Daegan Page, Dylan Merola
The families shared testimony and demanded answers from President Joe Biden and his administration concerning the deaths of their loved ones.
Lopez's mother, Alicia, spoke exclusively with News Channel 3's Peter Daut. She says she wants the truth and believes her son's death could have been avoided.
"What is the message you would like to send to the government if they're watching this interview?" Peter asked Alicia.
Alicia answered, "Our kids died heroes, and they had faith in the government that they were serving and we ask that you honor them by giving us the truth and admitting to your mistakes."
"Do you blame anyone for what happened to your son?" Peter asked.
"I blame the person who made the ultimate decision in going with the evacuation, not at Bagram Airport, and we don't even know who made that decision, but that's who I'm blaming."
Watch: Marine Cpl Hunter Lopez’s parents share his story
There will be a vigil for Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez at La Quinta Civic Center Park on Aug. 26, exactly two years after the attack in Afghanistan.
Watch the full, in-depth interview Alicia Lopez at the top of the article.
Check out some of our coverage of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez over the past two years:
- Community gathers to honor Cpl Hunter Lopez and 12 servicemembers killed one year ago
- ‘Land of the free because of the brave’: Coachella Valley procession honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez
- Tributes continue in memory of fallen Marine and Coachella Valley resident Hunter Lopez
- ‘We’re not mourning alone:’ Cpl. Hunter Lopez’s family receives community support at Indio candlelight vigil
- ‘I’m just going to bring him along with every footstep that I take.’ Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez’s brother opens up about sibling’s life and final moments
- Fourth grade class honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez with cards for family
- La Quinta volleyball team honors Cpl. Hunter Lopez and family prior to first league game
- City of Indio honors fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez with memorial at city hall
- Hunter Lopez Memorial Scholarship Fund established to honor fallen Marine, aid students pursuing public service
- Fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez honored at La Quinta childhood schools
- Hunter Lopez, U.S. marine killed in Afghanistan bombing, honored at La Quinta High football game
- Honoring Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez: Public viewing in La Quinta
- Local car show raises funds for Hunter Lopez Scholarship and Save a Warrior Foundation
A scholarship fund has been established in Hunter's name for students at LQHS who pursue careers in public service.
To donate, visit: https://desert-sands-educational-foundation.snwbll.com/hunter-lopez-memorial-scholarship-fund
The family has also created the "Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation" to help those who protect and serve our nation.
The foundation has already sponsored two service dogs for active service members and sponsored several families to attend their children's graduation from Marine boot camp.
To donate visit: https://hunterlopezmemorialfoundation.org/
