Washington – Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), released the following statement on yesterday’s deadly attack at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan:
“I continue to be heartbroken by yesterday’s terrorist attack in Afghanistan that took the lives of thirteen American servicemembers and injured many more. It is all the more devastating knowing that these Americans were well aware of the danger they faced being there, but they kept doing their jobs because it was their duty. I join with all Americans in extending my prayers to the families of the fallen and with those injured in this heinous attack.
“While my main focus is on those lost and injured, we must not lose sight of the fact that this attack was entirely preventable. The Biden Administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan has been disastrous from the start and ultimately laid the groundwork for yesterday’s tragedy. They must answer for how this happened. President Biden is too focused on a political timetable, rather than the safety and security of Americans and our allies. It conveys weakness, not strength. Nowhere is this more evident than our reliance on the Taliban for protection—a reliance that must end. We need a strong America for a safer world, but I fear these last few weeks have done far-reaching damage to our international standing.
“This attack is another tragic reminder of the sacrifices our American men and women have made over the last 20 years in Afghanistan. We must never forget their service to our nation. God bless all our American servicemembers who remain in harm’s way.”