President Joe Biden addressed members of Congress in the House chamber on [DATE] at 9 p.m. ET to deliver his State of the Union address. In his speech, President Biden laid out his vision for the nation and discussed various issues, including the country’s direction under his leadership. The address was shown live on WSJ.com and major television networks, allowing the public to witness and engage with the President’s message.
Heckler Interrupts State of the Union Address
During President Biden’s State of the Union address, a heckler disrupted the proceedings. Derrick Van Orden shouted “lies” when President Biden criticized Donald Trump’s handling of certain matters. Another individual, identified as Steven Nikoui, also caused a disturbance by shouting about his son, a Marine who tragically lost his life in the Kabul airport bombing in 2021. Republican Representative Brian Mast, who also served in Afghanistan, had invited Nikoui as his guest for the State of the Union.
- President Biden delivers State of the Union address
- Heckler interrupts speech, criticizing President Biden
- Steven Nikoui, Gold Star father, shouts about son’s death in Afghanistan
- Representative Brian Mast invites Nikoui as his guest for the event
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According to reports, Steven Nikoui yelled “Abbey Gate, Abbey Gate” during President Biden’s speech, referring to the area where his son, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, and 12 other troops lost their lives in the terrorist attack outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport in August 2021.
Importance of the Heckler’s Actions
The incident involving the heckler during President Biden’s State of the Union address highlights the emotional and deeply personal impact that the Afghanistan war continues to have on the families of fallen soldiers. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their loved ones, as well as the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan. The disruptive nature of the heckling also brings attention to the challenges faced by presidents during highly significant and publicized speeches, especially in a politically divided climate.