Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi drew sharp criticism Thursday after describing the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as an “unfortunate accident” during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, prompting a public response from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and follow-up questioning on national television.
Thompson, who represents Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District and previously served as chair of the House January 6 Committee, made the remark while questioning Secretary Noem about security issues.
His characterization of the November shooting immediately drew attention because the incident involved a fatal attack that authorities have described as terrorism.
The shooting occurred in November when an assailant identified as an Afghan national opened fire on two National Guard members in the nation’s capital.
One Guardsman was killed, and the other sustained critical injuries. Authorities have described the incident as a terrorist attack.
During the hearing, Noem responded directly to Thompson’s characterization.
“You think that was an unfortunate accident?! It was a terrorist attack,” Noem said.
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Thompson replied, “I’ll get it straight.”
🚨VILE: Dem Rep. Bennie Thompson just referred to the terrorist attack against two National Guardsmen in DC as an “unfortunate accident.”
Noem: “You think that was an ‘unfortunate accident’!? He shot our National Guardsmen in the head.” pic.twitter.com/d8Bpt2xN4J
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 11, 2025
The exchange quickly circulated online and across news outlets, drawing reactions from lawmakers, commentators, and viewers who criticized Thompson’s choice of words.
The remarks also prompted questions about whether Thompson would clarify or retract his statement.
On Friday, Thompson appeared on CNN’s “News Central,” where anchor Kate Bolduan asked him directly whether he stood by calling the shooting an “unfortunate accident.”
“Oh, absolutely not,” Thompson said.
“And obviously, let me be clear, I was moving toward the discussion that [Kristi Noem] could not blame Joe Biden on the situation because she approved this person’s asylum application and that’s where we were headed and so the issue is…”
Bolduan interrupted Thompson and asked, “You’re saying you misspoke?”
“Oh, absolutely. Absolutely,” Thompson replied.
Bennie Thompson is asked about his grotesque “unfortunate accident” National Guard shoot*ng comments.
CNN’s Kate Bolduan finally steps in to provide an assist and helps him figure out that he should say he “misspoke.” pic.twitter.com/BxnyF9WHd5
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 12, 2025
Later Friday, Thompson posted a statement on social media that included the line, “I condemn all targeted violence and political violence.”
The post did not explicitly describe the November shooting as terrorism, nor did it include a statement directed to the families of the National Guard members involved.
Thompson also shared a clip of his CNN appearance in the same post.
The attack on our National Guard service members is an unspeakable tragedy. I condemn all targeted violence and political violence. pic.twitter.com/WYXxGPCYAu
— Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) December 12, 2025
The Homeland Security Committee hearing and Thompson’s subsequent media appearance came amid heightened scrutiny of how elected officials characterize acts of political or ideological violence.
The November shooting of the National Guard members remains under investigation, and the surviving Guardsman continues to recover from critical injuries.
As of Friday, Thompson remained a member of the committee, and no disciplinary action had been announced in connection with his comments.
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