Afghanistan: Attack on Peaceful Demonstration
Press Statement by
John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
The innocent victims today were, as President Ghani said, exercising nothing more than their constitutional right of peaceful demonstration. They were gathered together as free citizens, protected by brave security forces who also fell victim in the line of duty.
The killers responsible for this bloodshed do not represent the future for Afghanistan and will not prevail. Attacks like these only strengthen our resolve to continue our mission in Afghanistan and deepen our support for the people and Government there.
We will stand today, as we have stood for so many years, shoulder to shoulder with our Afghan partners and friends as they strive to bring peace, security, and prosperity to their country.
(end statement)