Democratic Senator Silenced While Attempting to Question Secretary
Forcibly Brought Down and Handcuffed
Secretary's Side Claims "He Did Not Identify Himself"... Video Shows Otherwise
Amid political turmoil caused by protests in Los Angeles (LA), a U.S. Senator who attempted to question the Secretary of Homeland Security was forcibly removed and handcuffed, sparking controversy. On the 12th (local time), the Associated Press reported that "Alex Padilla (Democrat-California), a U.S. Senator, was forcibly escorted out of the press conference held that morning regarding the LA protest by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem."
Alex Padilla (Democrat-California), a U.S. Senator, is being escorted out of the press conference held on the morning of the 12th (local time) regarding the LA protest by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
At the time, Secretary Noem was stating at the press conference, "We are not going anywhere. We will remain here until we liberate this city from communists and burdensome leadership," expressing the government's hardline stance on the LA protests.
At that moment, Senator Padilla appeared, identified himself, and said, "I have a question for the Secretary," as he walked forward. However, Secretary Noem briefly looked at Senator Padilla and then turned away, continuing her prepared remarks. Then, men who appeared to be security personnel pushed Senator Padilla toward the door. Even as he tried to ask his question again, he was pushed outside. The scene of him shouting "Get your hands off me" was clearly captured on video. Although the live broadcast cameras did not capture what happened next, it was later reported that the men brought Senator Padilla to the ground and handcuffed him.
Security officers are handcuffing Representative Padiya after bringing him down to the ground. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Senator Padilla's office stated, "While attempting to question the Secretary, he was forcibly removed by federal agents, brought to the ground, and handcuffed," but also clarified, "He is not currently in custody." However, it was reported that after the press conference, Secretary Noem met separately with Padilla for about 15 minutes.
The incident immediately drew backlash from the Democratic Party. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "It is painful to watch how Senator Padilla, a member of the U.S. Senate, was treated in the video," emphasizing, "We need immediate answers on what exactly happened." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, "Everyone who attacked a Senator must be held accountable. No one is above the law."
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, claimed on social media that "Senator Padilla chose a rude political stunt, rushing at Secretary Noem without identifying himself or wearing a Senate badge, and disrupted a live press conference." However, video footage shows Senator Padilla identifying himself and Secretary Noem looking at him. Senator Padilla has strongly criticized the Trump administration's handling of the LA protests through social media and other channels. There is a growing consensus that the claim by Secretary Noem or the Department of Homeland Security that they did not recognize the LA district Senator is unconvincing.
The LA protests, which are in opposition to the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants, have continued for a week. The LA Police Department stated, "On the 11th, more than 80 people were arrested in connection with protests and related criminal acts following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations." Of these, 71 people were arrested for failing to comply with dispersal orders, and 7 people for violating the curfew. Additionally, 2 people were arrested for assault with a weapon against police officers, and 1 person for obstructing official duties.
Currently, it is reported that 700 U.S. Marines are also on standby in LA. Secretary Noem claimed, "What is happening in this city is setting an example for the entire country," and added, "We are creating a model and blueprint for how to make all communities great and safe again for our children and grandchildren."
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