California Senator Alex Padilla is speaking out after a viral video captured the moment security removed him from a news conference on Thursday, June 12. Padilla was preparing to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems a question during an immigration-focused media event when the incident unfolded.
Sen. Alex Padilla Addresses Viral Clip Of His Removal During Immigration News Conference
The Shade Room obtained footage showing Senator Alex Padilla stepping forward to ask Kristi Noems a question, but before he could finish his sentence, several men rushed in and forced him out of the room. The video then shows Padilla being pushed face down to the ground in a hallway and later handcuffed.
Shortly after, Alex Padilla addressed the incident, stating that he attended the event “peacefully.” In a post he shared on X (formerly Twitter), the senator explained that he went to the news conference to ask about the deployment of military forces and the recent escalation in Los Angeles. He said officials haven’t provided much information, so he decided attending Secretary Noem’s press conference was the best way to get some answers.
In a clip he shared on X, he told the public that he plans to hold the administration accountable for their actions.
“If this is how this administration responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmworkers, to cooks, and to day laborers throughout California and across the country. We will hold this administration accountable,” Padilla said while speaking to reporters.
Secretary Kristi Noems Shares Her POV Of The Confrontation Involving Sen. Padilla
Secretary Kristi Noems shared a different perspective on the confrontation. She spoke exclusively with Fox News after the incident with Padilla began gaining attention online. During the interview, she said she didn’t recall Senator Padilla identifying himself before security removed him.
“We were conducting a press conference to update everyone on the enforcement actions that are ongoing to bring people bring peace to the city of Los Angeles, and this man burst into the room, started lunging towards the podium, interrupting me and elevating his voice, and was stopped, did not identify himself, and was removed from the room,” Noems explained.
Before Padilla attempted to ask his question, Kristi Noem addressed reporters about the administration’s recent actions. She said the Department of Homeland Security, its agencies, and the military continue to carry out their mission. Per NBC News, Noems also emphasized that they plan to remain in place to, in her words, “liberate the city” from what she described as the socialist and burdensome leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Social Media Weighs In
The video of Senator Alex Padilla sparked strong reactions in The Shade Room’s comment section. Many people said the way he was treated was completely unnecessary. See some of their thoughts below.
Instagram user @island_md wrote, “He’s the senator, now imagine how they’re treating regular people.”
Instagram user @soniagracemusic wrote, “How are you a cabinet member and can’t recognize a senator????”
While Instagram user @autumnjoilive wrote, “If they’re allowed to put hands on a sitting senator and it’s ok, imagine what they can do to a regular citizen! We are witnessing the beginning of a authoritarian dictatorship.”
Then Instagram user @gotcocoa wrote, “They need to remove trump just like this.”
Another Instagram user @nik_msw wrote, “We’re living in a circus with a clown as President smh.”
Instagram user @xangelica_loc wrote, “How did the these people think he was an attacker? He’s a SENATOR.”
While another Instagram user @dr_nurseatwork wrote, “Nobody is exempt I hope y’all understand now.”
Instagram user @leefreddell wrote, “They’ll pee on ya leg and tell you it’s raining.”
Finally, Instagram user @skyehigh1293 wrote, “The U.S. government is so ghetto and chaotic.”
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