Family members of those who died during the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan have publicly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her comments on former President Donald Trump's visit to Arlington National Cemetery.

The Gold Star families demanded that Harris explain her criticisms and questioned her sincerity regarding their fallen loved ones, as the Post Millennial reports.

Last week, several families of fallen service members invited Trump to join them in placing flowers on the graves of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Nicole Gee, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. The families viewed the event as a solemn tribute to their loved ones, but Harris later criticized the former president's visit, labeling it a "political stunt."

Family Members Express Their Outrage

On Saturday evening, multiple Gold Star family members posted videos on Trump's Truth Social platform, directly addressing Harris. The families were particularly upset by Harris's suggestion that Trump's visit was politically motivated, which they felt dishonored the memory of their fallen loved ones.

Christy Shamblin, the mother-in-law of Sergeant Nicole Gee, was among the most vocal. In a video, she demanded that Harris return her calls and explain how she could describe her daughter-in-law's death as a "success." Shamblin questioned why Harris had not expressed her condolences personally and accused her of using the families' grief for political gain.

"Why won't you return a call and explain to us how you call my daughter-in-law's death a 'success'?" Shamblin asked. "Why will you not express your condolences yourself? And finally, why would you take a day, where we celebrated the death of our loved one, and use it to not only disparage them, but us?"

Accusations of Political Opportunism

Herman Lopez, the father of Corporal Hunter Lopez, also spoke out, emphasizing the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of all fallen heroes. He did not directly address Harris's comments but reaffirmed his commitment to remembering the fallen.

Jim McCollum, the father of Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum, was more direct in his criticism of Harris. He described her recent remarks about Trump at Arlington as "filled with nothing but lies and deceit." McCollum held Harris and President Joe Biden responsible for the tragedy of the Afghanistan pullout, a sentiment echoed by many of the other families.

Mark Schmitz, the father of Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, dismissed Harris's social media posts claiming she cares about those serving the country as an "outright lie." Schmitz accused Harris of using the military and their sacrifices to bolster her political image ahead of a potential presidential campaign against Trump.

Families Demand Accountability

The criticism didn't stop there. Jaclyn Schmitz, also a parent of Jared Schmitz, called out Harris for her perceived insincerity. She characterized Harris's statement as a "political spin" intended to improve her standing in the upcoming presidential race.

Steve Nikoui, the father of Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, was particularly harsh in his condemnation. He directly blamed Harris's administration for the death of his son and noted that she had never reached out to him. His words reflected the deep pain and anger that many of these families still feel.

"Your administration killed my son," Nikoui stated, adding that Harris had failed to contact him or offer any form of condolence.

Calls for Truth and Transparency

Coral Doolittle, the mother of Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, echoed the sentiments of the other families. She stressed that as parents, they deserve an explanation and the truth about what happened during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Doolittle's comments highlighted the ongoing demand for accountability and transparency from the Biden administration.

Darin Hoover, the father of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, took a slightly different approach. He reminded Harris that she was the "last one in the room" when the decision to pull out of Afghanistan was made. Hoover emphasized that the ceremony at Arlington was solemn and free from political discussions, countering Harris's claims of a "political stunt."

Conclusion: Families Seek Closure Amid Controversy

In conclusion, the Gold Star families' response to Vice President Kamala Harris's remarks reveals deep-seated frustration and grief.

Their criticisms highlight a perceived lack of empathy and accountability from the current administration. The families continue to demand answers and personal outreach from Harris, questioning her commitment to honoring the sacrifices of their loved ones.

These families, still grieving the loss of their children, seek closure and truth, and they are unwilling to accept anything less than full transparency from those in power.

The emotional toll of their loss is compounded by the controversy surrounding the circumstances of the Afghanistan pullout, making their demands for accountability all the more pressing.