Governor directs flags to be lowered after terrorist attack at Afghanistan airport

13 U.S. soldiers killed in bombings, with 18 more Americans wounded

Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Friday in memory of the soldiers and civilians killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport.

The attack resulted in 13 deaths of U.S. soldiers with 18 more wounded. There also were more than 60 Afghans killed and at least 140 wounded.

“The cowardly attack on innocent civilians and selfless service members at Hamid Karzai International Airport struck at the heart of our democracy and freedom itself,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “New Yorkers have sacrificed their safety to serve in Afghanistan since 9/11, and our thoughts are with the families of everyone killed in today’s horrific act—both the civilians seeking freedom and the service members working to defend that freedom.

“I’ve ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, August 27, in memory of the service members and innocent civilians killed today,” Hochul said. “This memorial act is concurrent with the half-staff order already in place in honor of New York State Police Trooper James J. Monda, who died in the line of duty on the Great Sacandaga Lake on Sunday. I’ve also directed my team to follow the attack in Kabul closely should we learn that any of the victims were New Yorkers.

“I’ve travelled to Afghanistan as a member of Congress, and I can say with certainty that the people of Kabul and all the American service members and our allies working to protect innocent lives there right now are in New Yorkers’ hearts and prayers. May God bless them.”

Congressman Chris Jacobs issued this statement about the deadly bombings outside the airport in Kabul:

“The attacks that occurred today outside of the airport in Kabul are horrific and tragically took the lives of 12 American service members. My heart is with each of their families, and I ask every American to join me in praying for them and every American service member still in harm’s way,” Jacobs said.

“This heartbreaking situation is the direct result of the President’s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan. This administration must immediately present a coherent plan to secure the area around the airport, safely return every American from Afghanistan and extend the deadline past 8/31 until this is completed, and bring the terrorists who committed these atrocities to justice.”

Rob Ortt, State Senate Republican leader, issued this statement:

“As a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, it has been extremely difficult to watch the devastating loss of American lives in Kabul. My heart breaks for their families and loved ones.

“This terrorist attack is a painful reminder that extremists are intent on killing Americans. The President’s total lack of leadership has turned our evacuation efforts into an all-out retreat, empowered terrorists, and put America and her allies at risk.

“It is now up to this administration to find and bring to justice those who are responsible for this heinous attack on our fellow Americans.”