So let’s address Ms. Cohen-Metzger’s grievances and those of others who may feel Mr. Valencia was dealt with too harshly.  Retired Secret Service agent, author, and failed political candidate Dan Bongino spoke with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Tuesday (transcript is here).  “I have to question this tactic a bit,” he said. “I think setting up a secure perimeter and at least making some attempt to negotiate may have been far more efficient.”

In this Mr. Bongino offers us a lesson on being wary of the opinions of so-called experts.  He was with the New York Police Department for just four years before joining the Secret Service, so while he may be well qualified to opine on issues related to dignitary protection and standing a fixed post for eight hours, his street experience is minimal.  How, I would ask him, might the police have set up a secure perimeter without exposing themselves and the hundreds of employees in the nearby businesses to rifle fire?  Add to this the potential danger to motorists driving on the I-10, which was just down the street and well within the range of Valencia’s weapon.

No.  Valencia had to be stopped at once, and a Taser or a beanbag shotgun or pepper spray or whatever fantasy weapon someone might dream could have been deployed were all out of the question.  The only sane alternative to running him over would have been to shoot him, preferably with a rifle, something he likely would not have survived.