Marine Injured in Abbey Gate Bombing Praises Trump After Terrorist Arrest

A retired Marine Corps sergeant who suffered catastrophic injuries in a devastating bombing at Afghanistan's Kabul airport has expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for keeping his promise to victims. This comes after the U.S. apprehended the suspected terrorist behind the attack.

Tyler Vargas-Andrews, who tragically lost an arm and a leg in the August 2021 Abbey Gate bombing, shared his thoughts during an appearance on "Fox & Friends." While not surprised by the news of the arrest, he emphasized the importance of accountability for those responsible.

"I was at Arlington recently," he recounted, "with President Trump and Vice President Vance. They promised me and the families directly that there would be accountability for this tragedy—both in our government and beyond." Vargas-Andrews described Trump's commitment as unwavering and deeply personal, noting the former president's familiarity with the families affected.

One of Vargas-Andrews' closest friends and mentors, Staff Sgt. Darin "Taylor" Hoover, was among the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed in the bombing during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Vargas-Andrews revealed that Trump recognized Hoover's name and expressed his connection to the Hoover family, adding, "Hoover was killed right next to me. It means a lot to see the president truly understand and stand by these families when others haven’t." The contrast in support from the Trump administration compared to its predecessor was unmistakable in his remarks.

The news of the suspect's capture, Muhammed Sharifullah, reached Vargas-Andrews shortly before Trump announced it during a joint address to Congress. In his speech, Trump thanked the Pakistani government for assisting in apprehending the "monster," calling it a "momentous day" for the families of the fallen servicemembers. He also vowed swift justice, stating Sharifullah would face the "swift sword of American justice." If there was ever a moment for dramatic flair, Trump nailed it here.

But Vargas-Andrews, while relieved about the arrest, stressed that accountability shouldn't stop at the terrorist alone. He called for Defense and State Department officials responsible for the flawed withdrawal to face scrutiny as well. "It’s critical that those who got us here are held accountable," he said.

Gold Star mom Paula Knauss Selph, whose son Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss was killed in the attack, echoed Vargas-Andrews' sentiments during a separate "Fox & Friends First" segment. She praised Trump's tough stance on terror, saying, "If he didn’t take this approach, terrorists around the world would be emboldened. His zero-tolerance policy sends the right message—not just for our military but for those who serve us." With a tone as sharp as her words, Selph made clear that strong leadership matters, especially in times of crisis.

This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. But as Vargas-Andrews pointed out, it’s just one piece of a larger picture. The real challenge lies in ensuring systemic accountability for the decisions and failures that led to the tragedy in the first place.