Security agents drag out US senator from press briefing

California Senator, Alex Padilla, was forcibly removed from a press briefing on Thursday after attempting to question United States’ Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her address on immigration and civil unrest in Los Angeles.

According to eyewitnesses and a statement from Padilla’s office, the Democratic senator stood up during the event and attempted to directly pose a question to Secretary Noem, who had not opened the floor to the press at that moment. Security personnel intervened swiftly, restraining Padilla, forcing him to the ground, and escorting him out in handcuffs.

“He tried to ask the secretary a question and was forcibly removed by federal agents,” said a spokesperson for Padilla. “He was taken to the ground and handcuffed, in what we view as an extreme and inappropriate use of force against an elected official.”

The incident occurred during a high-profile press conference held at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, where Secretary Noem was addressing members of the media and law enforcement officials. The briefing focused on federal responses to rising tensions surrounding immigration policies and recent demonstrations in Los Angeles.

Despite the disturbance, Noem continued her remarks without significant delay. When asked afterward about the confrontation, she appeared to downplay the event, saying, “I will be speaking with the senator personally. I believe in open dialogue, but there is a time and place for those conversations.”

The removal of a sitting senator from a federal press event is an unusual and controversial occurrence, raising questions about the limits of security protocol and the treatment of elected officials in contentious political environments.

It remains unclear whether any formal charges will be filed against Padilla or whether the incident will spark broader inquiries into the actions of the security detail involved.

Both the Department of Homeland Security and Senator Padilla’s office have indicated that further statements will be issued in the coming days.