Charges have been dropped against the father of a Marine killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, who was arrested for interrupting President Biden’s State of the Union address. A group of Republican lawmakers had come forward in his defense, demanding that the charges be dismissed.

On Tuesday, March 19, Rep. Darrell Issa wrote a letter to Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, requesting that charges against Steve Nikoui be dropped.

“Mr. Nikoui’s arrest for emotionally expressing his grief and seeking acknowledgment for his son’s sacrifice during the State of the Union — where he called out, ‘Abbey Gate! Kareem Nikoui! Second Battalion, First Marines!’ — highlighted a profound disconnect between the sacrifices made by our service members and the recognition they deserve,” Issa stated.

Issa added that, despite the interruption, Nikoui’s outburst was a plea for the acknowledgment of the pain and sacrifice endured by the families of the 13 service members who lost their lives, urging for understanding and compassion in handling the case.