California Sen Alex Padilla forcibly removed and cuffed for interrupting Kristi Noem’s ICE raids briefing

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's press conference on Thursday, June 12, had a bizarre moment when California Senator Alex Padilla interrupted her, only to be grabbed and bundled out of the room before being handcuffed.

During the press meet, Noem slammed California leaders amid protests in the state against ICE raids when Sen Padilla interrupted her and began asking a question, per Daily Beast.

California Senator cuffed, forcibly removed from Kristi Noem’s press briefing

Padilla asked Noem, "Secretary, I want to know why you insist on exaggerating and embellishing," before being intercepted by officials.

A video, which went viral across social media, showed the California lawmaker being grabbed and bundled out of the room before being handcuffed.

He continued, "I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary. Because the fact of the matter is a half a dozen violent criminals that should be...."

He was then removed from the room. The viral video showed Padilla holding his hands up as three men, including one wearing an FBI vest, continued to escort him out, per the outlet.

The senator was then forced to the ground, instructed to put his hands behind his back, and was then handcuffed.

The person who recorded the clip was heard saying that Padilla was his boss, and that he was not a member of the press before the video ended.

Following the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared the clip on his X account and wrote, "Senator Alex Padilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now."

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, "Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem."

She added, "Mr Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’ repeated commands. US Secret Service thought he was an attacker, and officers acted appropriately. Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15-minute meeting."

Moreover, Noem was asked during the press conference about the senator’s interruption, and she said she did not know him and claimed he did not request a meeting with her, calling his actions "inappropriate".

Padilla later said, "I was there peacefully. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained."

"If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, we can only imagine what they are doing to farm workers, to day laborers, throughout the Los Angeles community, and throughout California, and throughout the country. We will hold this administration accountable," the senator added.

Internet slams Alex Padilla as he tried to interrupt Kristi Noem's press conference

Several internet users slammed Alex Padilla as he tried to interrupt Kristi Noem's press conference, only to be grabbed and bundled out of the room before being handcuffed.

A user wrote on X, "Ridiculous violence and then he resisted arrest!" while one added, "Anyone can claim to be someone that had to take him out to verify who he was."

A person also stated, "After interrupting opening statement and shoving his way IN?" whereas one mentioned, "Show us what happened before this point. Was he being rude, unprofessional, and causing a disruption? Hint: yes."

A user also wrote, "That's his prize, gatecrasher!" while one commented, "Good. Padilla should be charged."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online