Rep. Bennie Thompson Faces Backlash for Calling D.C. National Guard Attack an “Unfortunate Situation”

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, was sharply rebuked Thursday for describing the ambush-style shootings that killed one National Guardsman and critically injured another in Washington, D.C., on the night before Thanksgiving as an “unfortunate situation.”

Thompson questioned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a live hearing. The committee member referenced the incident when asking about worldwide threats to the United States.

“Noem and the gentleman from NCTC [Joseph Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center] referenced the unfortunate accident that occurred with the National Guardsman being killed,” Thompson said at the outset of his questioning.

Noem became enraged, stating, “You think that was an unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack.”

Thompson, who led the House select committee that investigated the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, countered, “Look, I’ll get it straight and you can respond.”

He then stated, “He shot our National Guardsmen in the head,” referring to the suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.

Thompson later called the incident an “unfortunate situation” but accused Noem of blaming the attack solely on former President Joe Biden. He also asked whether Lakanwal’s application for asylum was approved by the Trump administration in April — an event widely reported.

Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era resettlement program launched following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., interjected during the hearing: “That was a murder that took place in D.C. It was not an unfortunate incident. And those comments are effin’ disrespectful. I expect better from the ranking member.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Ogles’ criticism on social media, stating, “This is a disgraceful thing to say.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X: “Note to Democrats: The killing of National Guardsman [Spc.] 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.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., wrote on X: “Rep. Bennie Thompson described the brutal terror attack that left two National Guardsmen wounded as a mere ‘unfortunate accident.’ This is beyond outrageous and is a disgusting insult to every American who wears the uniform. Democrats like him would rather coddle criminals than protect our heroes.”

The Department of Homeland Security stated on X: “DISGUSTING. @BennieGThompson, the shooting of two National Guardsmen in D.C. was not an ‘unfortunate accident.’ It was a TERRORIST attack. The Afghan nationals who entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome were unvetted. @Sec_Noem and DHS will find out who they really are. Join us in continuing to pray for Andrew Wolfe’s recovery.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin wrote on X: “Sickening.”

Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., also commented on X: “A National Guard soldier was MURDERED in broad daylight, and another was severely injured in a terrorist attack. Not an ‘unfortunate accident.’ Call it what it is, @BennieGThompson. The American people see exactly what you’re doing.”