Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06) announced his invitation of Gold Star Mother Paula Knauss Selph to be his guest for the State of the Union. Paula’s son, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Christian Knauss, was one of the 13 American servicemembers killed in the ISIS-K terrorist attack at Abbey Gate during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

“It has been over two years since the death of Paula’s son, Ryan, and the Biden administration still has not taken any accountability for the lives lost during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” said Waltz. “Paula and the families of the other 12 U.S. service men and women who died that day deserve answers from President Biden, not just photo-ops. I hope that Paula’s attendance at this year’s State of the Union Address will send a clear message that we will not stop until a thorough investigation is complete and those responsible are held accountable. May we always remember Ryan for his heart, his humor, and his passion for service to this great nation."