Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) has stepped into a firestorm by calling the tragic shooting of two West Virginia National Guard soldiers an "unfortunate accident," as Fox News reports.

This controversy erupted after a deadly incident near the White House on Thanksgiving Eve, where Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed, and Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded, leading to Thompson's contentious remarks during a congressional hearing, a swift backlash, and a subsequent attempt to clarify his stance.

The shooting, which took place just blocks from the White House, claimed the life of Spc. Beckstrom from Webster County and left Wolfe from Berkeley County fighting for his life. The alleged perpetrator, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan refugee from Bellingham, Washington, faces charges of first-degree murder. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder of the risks our service members face even on home soil.

Thompson's Hearing Sparks Immediate Controversy

Fast forward to Thursday during the "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland" hearing, where Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, dropped his now-infamous comment. He referred to the incident as an "unfortunate accident," a phrase that instantly raised eyebrows. Many would argue it downplays a horrific act of violence against our nation’s defenders.

During the same hearing, Thompson clashed with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, questioning who approved Lakanwal’s vetting and asylum application. He even went as far as demanding Noem’s resignation, suggesting her leadership failed to prevent this tragedy. It’s a bold move, but one wonders if the finger-pointing helps anyone heal.

Secretary Noem fired back without hesitation, refusing to let Thompson’s wording slide. "You think that was an unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack," she declared during the hearing. Her sharp rebuke cuts to the core of why so many feel Thompson’s initial comment missed the mark by a mile.

Backlash Hits Hard and Fast

The White House wasn’t about to let this pass quietly either, with their "Rapid Response 47" account on X blasting Thompson on the same day. They called out his "unfortunate accident" label as dismissive of the gravity of the attack on "our two great National Guard heroes." When even social media accounts are piling on, you know the heat is real.

By Friday, Thompson knew he had to clean up the mess. Appearing on CNN News Central with co-host Kate Bolduan, he admitted to misspeaking. But was it enough to cool the outrage?

In his clarification, Thompson insisted his intent was misread, stating, "Oh, absolutely not," when pressed on whether he meant to downplay the incident. He claimed he was steering the conversation toward holding Noem accountable for the asylum approval process. Yet, one can’t help but wonder if the damage was already done.

Clarification or Damage Control?

Thompson’s original words during the hearing still echo loudly: "It was an unfortunate situation, but you blamed it solely on Joe Biden." It’s a classic political pivot -- deflect and redirect -- but many Americans likely see through the sleight of hand. The families of Beckstrom and Wolfe deserve more than verbal gymnastics.

The incident also saw Thompson sparring with FBI Operations Director Michael Glasheen over unrelated topics like Antifa’s supposed headquarters. While that’s a curious sideshow, it risks diluting the focus on a real tragedy that demands answers. Let’s not lose sight of what matters most here.

For conservatives, this saga underscores a broader frustration with progressive leaders who seem quick to soften the language around violent crimes, especially when immigration policies are in the crosshairs. Thompson’s backtrack might be sincere, but it doesn’t erase the initial sting. Words carry weight, especially in times of grief.

National Guard Deserves Better Discourse

The shooting near the White House is a stark wake-up call about homeland security gaps, and the subsequent political bickering only deepens the wound. Our National Guard members put their lives on the line; they shouldn’t become pawns in a partisan blame game. Both sides need to prioritize solutions over soundbites.

As the nation mourns Spc. Beckstrom and prays for Wolfe’s recovery, the focus must shift to ensuring such tragedies don’t repeat. Scrutinizing asylum vetting processes is fair game, but it must be done with respect for those who’ve paid the ultimate price.

Thompson’s misstep, though perhaps unintended, reflects a disconnect that many on the right find all too common in today’s political discourse. Let’s hope this serves as a lesson in choosing words with care -- because our heroes, and their families, deserve nothing less.