Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, has drawn sharp condemnation after he described a terrorist attack that killed one National Guardsman as an “unfortunate accident” during questioning of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Thompson stated: “Madame Secretary, you and the gentleman from [National Counterterrorism Center] reference the unfortunate accident that occurred with the National Guardsmen being killed.” When Noem interjected, “You think that was an unfortunate accident? That was a terrorist attack!” Thompson replied in an annoyed tone, “I mean, look, I’ll get it straight.”
Noem added: “He shot our National Guardsmen in the head!”
Thompson later appealed to the committee chair to censure Noem for interrupting his questioning. He continued: “It was an unfortunate situation, but you blamed it solely on Joe Biden. I want you to know who approved the asylum application for this same person?”
Noem responded that the suspect had been allowed into the country during the Afghanistan evacuation under the Biden administration, though Thompson pressed further about the approval process under the Trump administration.
Video of the exchange went viral on social media and sparked outrage among political figures. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) tweeted: “Note to Democrats: The killing of National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom was not an ‘unfortunate accident.’ It was a premeditated terrorist attack. Bennie Thompson should apologize and retract this disgusting remark. Well done, @Sec_Noem for refusing to let Democrats downplay terrorism.”
National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard criticized Thompson on Fox News, stating: “This is someone who is a very, very senior leader in Congress, who for a long time has led the Homeland Security Committee in Congress. The fact that he cannot and refuses to directly identify this attack for what it was — a terrorist attack on our own soil against our National Guard.”
Thompson later admitted he had misspoken when confronted by a CNN anchor.
