Gold star father charged for disrupting State of the Union address

WASHINGTON (TND) — A man who heckled during the State of the Union address was identified as the father of a fallen Marine.

Steve Nikoui was the man who shouted "Abbey Gate" and "United States Marines" as President Joe Biden said "America is safer today than when I took office."

The 51-year-old was warned to stop yelling, according to Capitol Police.

An official told The National Desk Nikoui was removed when he continued his outburst.

Nikoui was arrested for disrupting Congress.

"Demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is illegal," stated Capitol Police.

Nikoui is the father of U.S. Marine, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, who was killed in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.

Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida invited Nikoui to the SOTU.

Mast took toXat the moment Nikoui was taken into custody posting, "The Sergeant at Arms is holding my State of the Union guest for yelling at POTUS in protest because his son was killed in action at the Abbey Gate due to Biden’s incompetence. So much for the right to petition our government for the redress of grievances."

Nikoui was released from custody after he paid a $50 fine for themisdemeanor charge, according to police.

Nikoui wasn't the only one who disrupted Biden's speech.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia disrupted Biden when he spoke about border security and called on Congress to pass legislation to secure it.

Greene shouted, "Say her name" referring to Laken Riley a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was killed allegedly by a Venezuelan man who crossed the U.S. border illegally.

Another unexpected moment at the Capitol was former New York Congressman, George Santos' surprise appearance.

Santos was ousted from Congress in December.

Four months after being expelled from the House, New York Republican Rep. George Santos attended President Joe Biden's State of the Union and announced he was running for Congress again.

The House expelled Santos in a 311-114 vote following the release of a scathing ethics report.

He announced his plans to run for Congress again.