When John Patrick Bedell launched an armed attack at the Pentagon subway station, mainstream media quickly blamed right-wing activists. It’s true that Bedell—who died in the return fire—posted Internet rants full of anti-government fanaticism, but his biggest issue appeared to be marijuana legalization. He cultivated pot, and used it heavily—hardly the mark of a typical conservative.

He was also a 9/11 “truther,” suggesting that Bush staged the terrorist attacks as a pretext for stealing Iraqi oil—another viewpoint typical of the left, more than the right. Most importantly, Bedell had a long psychiatric history, with multiple hospitalizations. He was the sort of dangerous, mentally ill loner who needs involuntary institutionalization, not freedom to roam the streets—illustrating the perils of the same liberal mistake that’s greatly worsened the homeless problem.