California Democrat Sen. Alex Padilla was handcuffed and removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday after causing a disruption.
Noem was discussing recent U.S. Immigration and Enforcement operations in the city when Padilla interrupted, saying, “You insist on exaggerating,” NBC News Los Angeles reported.
As he was pushed out of the room by two men, he could be heard saying, “I’m Sen. Alex Padilla and I have questions for the secretary.” Officers placed handcuffs on him after he went to the ground, video footage shows.
“Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X on Thursday. “Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands. @SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately. Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting.”
