US Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a news conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on Thursday. The incident occurred when Padilla interrupted Noem’s speech, shouting a question about immigration enforcement.
Padilla, who is the most senior Democrat on the Senate’s Border Security and Immigration subcommittee, claimed he had tried to interject with a question because he “couldn’t accept the rhetoric anymore.” He was subsequently dragged away by Secret Service agents and placed in handcuffs before being arrested by FBI agents.
The incident sparked immediate condemnation from fellow Democratic members of Congress, who described it as a “sickening disgrace” and an “affront to democracy.” Even some Republicans condemned the arrest, with Senator Lisa Murkowski calling it “horrible” and “shocking at every level.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident “absolutely abhorrent and outrageous,” adding that the Trump administration’s “violent attacks on our city must end.” California Governor Gavin Newsom also spoke out against the detaining of Padilla, urging Republican congressional leadership to condemn the action.
The Department of Homeland Security described Padilla as an attacker who lunged at Noem, but his office disputed this claim. The White House spokesperson accused Padilla of “storming” the press conference and trying to gain attention rather than seeking answers.
Padilla met with Secretary Noem after the incident, saying they would continue to discuss their differences despite disagreeing on many topics. He also urged Americans to continue peacefully protesting the Trump administration’s policies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ygn48djrko