Gold Star mom who lost son in Abbey Gate bombing says terrorist mastermind ‘needs to be executed’: ‘One limb on a tree of wickedness’

A Gold Star Mother Demands Justice for Her Son’s Killer

Paula Knauss Selph, a Gold Star mother who lost her son in the tragic 2021 Abbey Gate terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, has called for the execution of the recently captured mastermind behind the bombing. Mohammad Sharifullah, a high-ranking ISIS-K terrorist, was apprehended and brought to U.S. soil, according to an announcement by former President Donald Trump. Selph’s son, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, was among the 13 U.S. service members killed in the devastating suicide bombing, which also claimed the lives of over 170 Afghan civilians. Speaking on Fox and Friends First, Selph expressed her unwavering stance on justice for the perpetrators of the attack. “He is one limb on a tree of wickedness,” she said of Sharifullah, emphasizing that executing him would be a necessary step in dismantling the broader network of terrorism.

The Tragic Loss and Its Aftermath

The Abbey Gate bombing occurred on August 26, 2021, during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the country. The attack targeted crowds gathered outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, where desperate Afghans and foreign nationals were attempting to flee the collapsing government. Among those killed were 13 brave U.S. service members, including Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who was just 23 years old. Selph described her son as a patriot who tirelessly served his country, and his death has left an irreparable void in her life. She has since become an advocate for accountability, insisting that those responsible for such heinous acts must face the ultimate consequences.

Sharifullah’s Role in the Attack

Mohammad Sharifullah, the alleged mastermind of the bombing, has reportedly confessed to plotting the attack and scouting the route for the suicide bomber. According to the Department of Justice, Sharifullah played a direct role in the planning and execution of the bombing, which was carried out by Abdul Rahman al-Logari, a terrorist who detonated a suicide vest laden with explosives and ball bearings. The attack was one of the deadliest incidents during the U.S. withdrawal, marking a tragic end to the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. Selph emphasized that Sharifullah’s actions were not just a personal tragedy but a national security crisis, as terrorists who harm Americans must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

The Broader Context of the Withdrawal and ISIS-K’s Rise

The 2021 withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan under the Biden administration was marred by chaos and violence, creating an environment in which terrorist groups like ISIS-K could thrive. As the Taliban swept across the country, thousands of ISIS terrorists, including al-Logari, were released from prisons, emboldening the group to carry out attacks. The Abbey Gate bombing was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these groups and the importance of maintaining a strong counterterrorism presence in the region. Selph criticized the handling of the withdrawal, calling it a “disastrous” decision that exposed both Americans and Afghans to unnecessary risks.

A Call for Accountability and National Security

Selph’s demand for Sharifullah’s execution is not merely a call for revenge but a plea for justice and national security. She believes that failing to hold terrorists accountable sends a dangerous message to extremist groups worldwide. “It is not because I’m a mom and I lost a son, and it’s not an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” she said. “It is simply a national crisis when we allow terrorists to harm Americans here or abroad.” Her words resonate with many who believe that the U.S. must maintain a strong stance against terrorism to protect its citizens and interests.

A Mother’s Advocacy for Fallen Heroes and Accountability

Selph’s advocacy goes beyond her personal loss; it is a testament to the sacrifice of all the service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. She praised former President Trump for keeping his promise to bring those responsible to justice, noting that his actions demonstrate a commitment to accountability and support for the military. As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the withdrawal and the rise of terrorism in Afghanistan, Selph’s voice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the fallen and ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain. Her call for justice is a beacon of hope for all families who have lost loved ones to terrorism, urging the nation to remain vigilant and unwavering in its pursuit of security and accountability.