Rowdy episode in California: security personnel expel US Senator from press conference
Authorities are physically removing a U.S. senator during a public press briefing.
In an unexpected turn of events, US Senator Alex Padilla found himself in a heated situation at a press conference. The California politician was brusquely escorted out of the meeting by security personnel as Homeland Security Minister Kristi Noem was delivering her remarks. This incident has sparked controversy. California's governor criticized the situation, labeling it authoritarian.
Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, was forcefully ushered out of the gathering by security forces while Noem was discussing protests in Los Angeles. Senators normally enjoy a privileged standing in the United States, making this incident peculiar.
Footage reveals Padilla identifying himself and his position before calling out, "I have questions," while Noem spoke. Security personnel intervened mid-sentence, seizing him and dragging him out of the room. Padilla could still be heard saying, "Hands off." In the hallway, he was brought down by FBI agents and cuffed. It was initially unclear whether the security staff were aware that they were dealing with an incumbent US Senator.
Politics Controversial Ejection: US Senator Removed in Cuffs The Department of Homeland Security later clarified on X that the Secret Service believed Padilla was a threat and acted accordingly. Padilla had interrupted the press conference and approached Noem without identification.
Padilla has been a Senator since 2021. He replaced Kamala Harris, who had become Vice President under then-President Joe Biden, after her departure. Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, is the first Latino to represent California in the Senate.
Noem commented on the incident during the conference. She expressed her lack of personal acquaintance with the Senator and condemned his actions, saying, "Every American would agree that such behavior is inappropriate." She also spoke to California Governor Gavin Newsom about the incident, but their conversation was unsuccessful, according to her account.
Newsom later posted on X that the Senator was one of the most respectable individuals he knew. "This is outrageous, authoritarian, and disgraceful." Trump and his followers are out of control, he said, and they need to cease their actions immediately. Later, the Department of Homeland Security revealed that Noem had a 15-minute conversation with Padilla following the incident.
Sources: ntv.de, jki/dpa
- USA
- Democrats
- California
- Los Angeles
- Political Protests
Additional Insights:
- Incident Details:
- Initial Interaction: Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) attempted to raise a question but was instantly removed from the room[1][3].
- Removal and Detention: Padilla was physically restrained and escorted out of the room, with further detainment in the hallway outside the room[1][3].
- Account of Events: Padilla claimed he announced his name and title before his removal, while Noem described the incident as Padilla barging into the room without identification, leading to his removal due to perceived security threats[1].
- Security Perspective: The Department of Homeland Security asserted that Padilla was told to withdraw but did not comply, leading security personnel to assume he was a threat[1].
- Aftermath: Following the incident, Padilla conversed briefly with Secretary Noem, and they exchanged phone numbers[1].
- Political Reactions:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the incident, labeling it "outrageous, authoritarian, and shameful"[1].
- California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the incident, likening it to actions by "Trump and his shock troops"[1].
- Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) demanded Noem's resignation and an investigation into the incident[1].
The Commission, involving itself in the preparation of the report, might consider the controversial ejection of US Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, from a press conference. This incident, marked by politics and general-news, has sparked controversy in the realm of crime-and-justice, as footage shows FBI agents cuffing him in the hallway following his removal.
