The Arizona Republic
There were bound to be questions and strong opinions following another death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
When tragedy occurs and there are policy questions, we ask what happened and why. We debate what it means and who is to blame.
That’s called politics. And in the death of Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Ivie, it is unavoidable and even advised.
But timing is everything. And public officials share a responsibility to reserve judgment and bridal their strong opinions until the facts are known and loved ones have a moment to absorb their loss.
On Friday, we learned the FBI is investigating “strong preliminary indications” that Ivie and another wounded Border Patrol agent were hit by friendly fire.
That’s a key development. And while not yet confirmed, it would change this tragedy in ways that contradict the knee-jerk first impulses to blame the White House and federal inaction.
