Gold Star Family Presses for Accountability in Biden Administration’s Hasty Afghanistan Withdrawal

The grieving parents of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who tragically lost his life during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, are seeking answers from the Biden administration. Kelly Barnett and Darin Hoover, parents of Taylor, expressed their deep frustration and anger towards the administration’s handling of the evacuation and the lack of transparency surrounding their son’s death.

Barnett and Hoover, in a heartfelt interview, criticized President Joe Biden and his administration for their actions during the evacuation and subsequent treatment of Gold Star families. Barnett accused the administration of deceiving the families and avoiding responsibility for the errors that led to the deaths of their loved ones. During a Congressional forum, she passionately expressed her sorrow and frustration, labeling Biden and other officials as “incompetent cowards” and “evil.”

Barnett also raised allegations that the administration rushed the withdrawal from Afghanistan in order to have a notable “photo opportunity” on September 11, 2021—an ill-advised decision that she believes cost her son his life. Hoover echoed these sentiments, criticizing the lack of planning and execution in the withdrawal strategy. He emphasized that even his granddaughter could have devised a more effective plan with just “a crayon and a piece of paper.”

During her testimony, Barnett recounted the chaos and poor communication she experienced during the evacuation. She claimed that she was misinformed about the circumstances of her son’s death and blamed the administration for failing to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The families of the fallen troops are seeking accountability and transparency, urging the White House to return personal belongings of the deceased soldiers. Hoover stressed the significance of these belongings as they hold cherished memories of their loved ones’ final moments.

The heartfelt testimonies of the Gold Star families shed light on the lasting impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal and its aftermath on those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones. Their relentless pursuit of answers and accountability highlights the urgent need for clarity and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.