Gov. Ducey, national security advisor unveil mural honoring Kayla Mueller
Oct 8, 2020, 4:30 PM | Updated: Oct 9, 2020, 2:01 pm
(Stuart Brown)
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien unveiled a painting Thursday at the Arizona National Guard Barry Goldwater hangar in honor of humanitarian worker Kayla Mueller.
Into the Breach, a painting by Stuart Brown, symbolizes the 2019 raid that killed ISIS terrorist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The image depicts Delta Force Operators surrounding a compound and breaching a wall with explosives.
“Today, we are here to remember Kayla Mueller for who she really was—an American hero,” Ducey said.
Kayla was a humanitarian worked from Prescott who was working for a non-governmental organization in Turkey that supported Syrian refugees before she was taken hostage. She was killed by ISIS militants in 2015.
Kayla’s parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, were among the audience in attendance for the reveal. Sen. Martha McSally and Arizona National Guard members were also on hand.
“We are here today because your daughter is revered and beloved the world over and thanks to you, her legacy will live on forever more,” Ducey said at the event, addressing Kayla’s parents.
Mueller’s parents attended the event after being a guest of Pence’s at the vice presidential debate in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.
The Muellers previously expressed their support for President Donald Trump and the administration during an appearance at the Republican National Convention in August.
In February, the Muellers were on hand when Trump devoted a portion of his State of the Union address to tell Kayla’s story.
The mural will eventually be put on display at the Arizona State Capitol.