On Thursday, Arizona’s elected leaders reacted to the tragic news that U.S. service members were killed during the terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff through August 30, 2021 in honor of the service members.
“Today is a tragic day for our nation. I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the loved ones of the U.S. forces killed and wounded in today’s terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. I am horrified by this attack on our brave service members as well as other innocent civilians in the area,” said Ducey. “Arizona joins all Americans in condemning this attack in the strongest possible terms. There are no words to express the depth of Americans’ sorrow and anger for this loss of life.”
“Today is a dark day in American history,” said Rep. Andy Biggs. “I express my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those tragically killed today. Since being sworn into office, President Biden has projected weakness. In this instance, that failure of leadership has emboldened the Taliban. As President, it is Biden’s duty to ensure that our country is so feared and respected around the world, that are enemies think twice before attempting to do us harm. President Biden has done the exact opposite, and the American people are paying for it with their lives. This tragic and avoidable turn of events will forever mar the United States and our reputation with allies and enemies. As a man of faith, I pray for the protection of those still in harm’s way. May God safely return them home to their family and loved ones.”
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) August 26, 2021
“The attacks today in Kabul are horrific,” said Rep. Debbie Lesko. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that have lost their lives and with those who were injured.”
“Sadly, these deaths could have been avoided if not for the extreme dereliction of duty on the part of the Biden Administration in planning and executing this withdrawal. Make no mistake, our quarrel today is with the enemy who executed this attack, but in the days ahead we must also hold accountable those that created conditions under which this attack occurred,” said Lesko. “The handling of this withdrawal has been a disaster from start to finish, the actions of the Biden Administration unconscionable. May God protect those servicemembers, American citizens, and Afghan allies remaining in Afghanistan. May God protect our great nation.”
“These servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the Kabul airport and the evacuation of American citizens and our Afghan allies, and I am heartbroken for their families and loved ones,” said Sen. Mark Kelly. “The Americans who deployed across the world at a moment’s notice in order to accomplish this mission are the best of us, and I am inspired by their continued courage and professionalism through a dangerous and deteriorating situation.”
“The terrorists responsible for this attack on American troops and innocent civilians must be brought to justice,” concluded Kelly.
“The situation transpiring in Afghanistan is heartbreaking,” said Rep. David Schweikert. “My prayers go out to each and every one of our troops, Americans, and Afghan allies who are currently in Kabul. We must move swiftly to help everyone trapped by the Biden Administration’s chaotic withdrawal come home.”
Rep. Greg Stanton called the situation, “absolutely devastating.”
“These brave service members were the very best of America,” said Stanton. “They lost their lives on the most noble of missions: protecting their countrymen and our Afghan allies in harm’s way. Their legacy will endure.”
Rep. Raul Grijalva issued no statement.
Rep. Paul Gosar retweeted a statement made by rep. Matt Rosendale:
How many American military personnel have to die to evacuate unvetted refugees?
Get American citizens out and bring our troops home.
— Matt Rosendale (@RepRosendale) August 26, 2021
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick tweeted a “build back better” message:
We must rebuild our communities and our economy better than before with the American Jobs Plan. It’s time to #BuildBackBetter with @POTUS and @HouseDemocrats! Good paying American jobs for Arizonans.
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) August 26, 2021