Stephen A Smith blasts Alex Padilla for his 'out of control' behavior at Kristi Noem's press conference

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ESPN firebrand Stephen A Smith lashed out at Senator Alex Padilla on Friday, June 13, after he interrupted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference, and was forcibly removed and handcuffed.

During the press conference on Thursday, June 12, Noem slammed California leaders amid protests in the state against ICE raids, when Sen Padilla interrupted her and began asking a question, according to The Daily Beast.

Stephen A Smith lashes out at Sen Alex Padilla

Speaking on 'The Stephen A Smith Show', Stephen A Smith said, per Fox News, "Here you have this Sen Alex Padilla – Can Kristi Noem speak? Could you have waited till she finished to ask your questions, to shout your questions?"

He added, "You are a senator, right? You couldn't wait? So that was just you out of control because you were just losing it, huh. You, a United States senator, couldn't compose yourself and let the head of Homeland Security finish her thoughts before you ask the question. Couldn't do that, huh? Couldn't do it, huh?"

Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security shared Smith's statements on X (formerly Twitter) after releasing a statement addressing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's criticism of their handling of Padilla.

DHS captioned the post, "What @stephenasmith said."

Moreover, DHS also tweeted, "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. 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," DHS added.

Stephen A Smith slams Alex Padilla for 'propping' himself up 

The ESPN firebrand went on to slam Alex Padilla for "propping" himself up. 

He said, "That's why you should be looking at Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, you should be looking at Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania."

"You know, the people that don't engage in this kind of nonsense. You're talking about propping yourself. It's all nonsense. It's all used as a tool to divide us," Smith added.

Meanwhile, Padilla's office said the Senator was trying to ask Noem a question before he was "forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed" in the wake of the Los Angeles riots, per the outlet.

Notably, the Senator tried to shout over the Trump administration official while Noem was speaking during the press conference. The clip of officers removing and then bringing Padilla to the ground quickly spread among lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Many Democratic lawmakers condemned the force used to remove Padilla and staged a march to the offices of both House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune in protest.

Moreover, some demanded that Noem resign from her post.

Internet sides with Stephen A Smith as he lashes out at Alex Padilla

Several internet users sided with Stephen A Smith as he lashed out at Sen Alex Padilla for interrupting Kristi Noem’s press conference in Los Angeles.

A user wrote on X, "Brilliant, Mr Smith. Thank you," while one added, "My feelings exactly!"

A person also stated, "Telling it like it is Stephen, right on brother," whereas one mentioned, "I like the new Stephen A."

A user also wrote, "He’s exactly right," while one commented, "My thoughts exactly. What a disgraceful display of theatrics."

A person added, "Thank you for saying this! Common sense! It was a stunt for sure because they are losing every battle on the field!"

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.