Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sharply rebuked Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson on Thursday after he described the fatal shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., as an 'unfortunate accident.'
During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat, referred to the November attack by an Afghan national that killed one soldier and critically wounded another. Noem responded: 'You think that was an unfortunate accident? He shot National Guard in the head!'
The exchange occurred as Noem testified about worldwide threats to the homeland. Thompson also called for Noem's resignation, accusing her of dismantling the Department of Homeland Security and making America less safe. Noem has faced speculation about her position amid reported dissatisfaction from the Trump administration over deportation rates.
The attack on November 26 involved Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, a former Afghan fighter who allegedly shot two West Virginia National Guard soldiers near the White House. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, while Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Lakanwal faces first-degree murder charges.
The Trump administration has deployed over 2,700 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., for anti-crime and beautification efforts, a move that has faced legal challenges but was temporarily upheld by an appeals court after the shooting.
