Father of Marine killed in 2021 Kabul attack arrested for disrupting State of the Union address
The father a Marine who was killed in a bombing during evacuations at a Kabul airport in 2021 was arrested by U.S. Capitol police for disrupting the State of the Union address.
The Capitol Police said officers arrested Steven Nikoui, 51, after he disrupted the State of the Union Address by yelling. Video of the State of the Union shows Nikoui yelling from the balcony, including "Abbey Gate" and "United States Marines" while Biden tried speaking.
He was quickly escorted from the chambers.
"Our officers warned him to stop and when he did not, the man was removed from the House Galleries and was arrested for D.C. Code § 22–1307 - Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding," reads a statement by the USCP. "Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is illegal."
Nikoui was at the State of the Union as a special guest of Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL).
His son, 22-year-old Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui from Norco, was killed when a suicide bomb went off outside the airport gates at Abbey Gate in Kabul on Aug. 26, 2021.
(bottom row left to right) Ryan Knauss, Hunter Lopez, Johanny Rosario, Humberto Sanchez, Daegan Page, Dylan Merola
Among the 13 killed was Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, a 22-year-old La Quinta High School graduate.
Check Out: Marine Cpl Hunter Lopez’s parents share his story
This past August, the Gold Star families of the 13 service members gathered for a Congressional forum on the attack. The families shared testimony and demanded answers from President Joe Biden and his administration concerning the deaths of their loved ones.
"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," Alicia Lopez, Hunter's mother, told News Channel 3
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/
