President Trump went to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to pay respects to two U.S. soldiers who were killed Saturday in Afghanistan. These soldiers were killed when a soldier dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire with a machine gun.
According to national security adviser Robert O’Brien, Trump cut a reelection campaign rally in New Hampshire a bit short so he could visit with the families of the soldiers. The president said these moments are “probably the toughest thing he does as president,” along with visiting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
This is Sgt. 1st Class Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28, and Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28. They are the two U.S. Special Forces soldiers killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.
RIP. https://t.co/kx0fwv1O6v pic.twitter.com/1nSFZug8iD
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) February 9, 2020
“These are terrible sacrifices for the families. And these guys are heroes, they’re real warriors and did a great job for the American people” O’Brien said. “These are tough times. It’s tough for the president but he thinks it’s important to be there for the families and recognize them.”
The deceased American soldiers were identified by the Defense Department as Sgt. Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28; and Sgt. Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28. Six other American soldiers were wounded in the attack.
U.S. News reported that “Trump saluted and Vice President Mike Pence placed his hand over his heart as transfer cases containing the remains were carried out of a C-17 military plane and transferred to a transport vehicle.”
Sources reported that the incident came as Washington has sought to find an end to the war in Afghanistan.
