Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla Interrupts Noem’s Press Conference, Forcibly Removed
During a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on June 12, Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was forcibly removed after interrupting and attempting to ask a question during her remarks on anti-ICE protests.
Video footage from inside the room captured Padilla’s interruption as Noem was speaking alongside law enforcement officials. He identified himself as Senator Alex Padilla and began to ask a question before security personnel intervened and escorted him out, prompting Padilla to shout, “Hands off.”
Another video shared on social media showed Padilla on the ground in a hallway outside the room, with federal agents restraining him with zip ties.
In a statement, Padilla’s office explained that the senator was in Los Angeles to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in California. He was forcibly removed, handcuffed, and forced to the ground by federal agents but was not detained. The office is working to gather additional information on the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the secretary met with Padilla for 15 minutes following the interruption. DHS criticized Padilla’s actions as “disrespectful political theatre” and stated that he did not comply with officers’ commands, leading them to believe he was an attacker.
Noem addressed the interruption during a question-and-answer portion of the press conference, expressing her intent to have a conversation with Padilla to understand his concerns. She emphasized the importance of civil discourse among public officials.
Padilla later gave a statement outside the federal building, explaining that he was there for a scheduled briefing when he learned of Noem’s press event nearby. He attempted to ask a question but was swiftly removed and handcuffed.
The incident drew criticism from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called it “outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful,” and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who demanded immediate answers.
Padilla, California’s first Latino U.S. senator, was appointed by Newsom in January 2021 and won elections to a full term later that year.
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