Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif) was compelled to remove and was handcuffed following the suspension of Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem during a press conference in Los Angeles.
The video of the incident was shared by a Fox News reporter, showing multiple individuals restraining Padilla and escorting him out of the room. Moreover, additional footage later depicts him being pushed to the floor and handcuffed.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have a question for my secretary,” he could be heard as several individuals insisted he be removed.
As he was being ejected through two double doors, he exclaimed, “I’ll miss my hand!”
The press conference commenced with Padilla swiftly suspending Noem, apparently to confront her security team.
Noem indicated she intended to speak with the senator following the press conference.
Padilla’s office has yet to respond to inquiries for comments, while Noem stated she would address the senator.
“Once I leave, I’ll have a conversation with him, but I believe everyone agrees that what’s happening is not appropriate,” she noted as the press conference started.
“After the press conference, I plan on reaching out to him to understand his concerns. I think most Americans would concur that this situation is unacceptable.
“For instance, I left a voicemail hoping to have a discussion with Gov. Newsom. Did he respond? No, he did not.”
A statement from Padilla’s office confirmed that he is currently not in custody but provided limited information regarding the events following his handcuffing.
“Senator Padilla is responsible for supervising Congressional federal activities in Los Angeles. He was in a federal building, receiving updates with General Guillotte and listening to Secretary Noem’s press conference,” the statement read.
Padilla’s questioning of Noem comes in light of the widespread operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Los Angeles, which have led to protests and subsequent riots in the city.
In response, Trump has called for both the National Guard and the Marines to offer protection to ICE officers carrying out their duties.
Noem’s press conference was initially intended to highlight the outcomes of the operation.
“It’s crucial for people to understand that millions are living in the city illegally, and we are pursuing thousands of targets,” Noem stated.
The issue drew immediate criticism from a Democratic colleague.
“Watching this video is distressing, and I stand with Senator Padilla,” commented Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on X.
“We require immediate clarification on what transpired.”
Updated at 2:53pm
Source: thehill.com