Donald Trump and his administration have been threatened countless times. That’s what made this situation so scary.
And a Democrat Senator was placed in handcuffs for making a stunning threat towards the Trump admin.
Tensions Flare as Senator Padilla Removed from Noem Press Conference
In a heated scene in Los Angeles, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed from a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, sparking a firestorm of controversy. The incident unfolded amid heightened tensions, as the Trump administration deployed National Guardsmen and U.S. Marines to counter violent anti-ICE protests in the city.
The confrontation erupted when Noem declared that federal forces would remain to “liberate” Los Angeles from what she called the “socialist” and “burdensome” leadership of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. As she spoke, Padilla attempted to interject, raising his voice to challenge her remarks. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the senator out of the room.
“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary!” Padilla shouted, struggling to hold his position as security pushed him toward the exit. “Hands off!” he yelled, but law enforcement officers continued to move him out.
Video footage, reportedly gathered by Padilla’s office and shared by NBC News journalist Jacob Soboroff, showed the situation escalating further. Outside the room, officers of the law pressed Padilla to the ground and placed him in handcuffs, intensifying the drama.
WATCH:
Senator Padilla’s office sends me this video of his take-down and detention at Sec. Noem’s press conference in L.A. pic.twitter.com/RLUVYP1Jsb
— Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 12, 2025
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, who recorded part of the initial altercation, later reported on X that Noem and Padilla eventually met to discuss the incident.
“After I stopped recording, my team witnessed him being taken to the ground by FBI personnel and he was temporarily detained,” Melugin posted. He later stated, “Noem tells me she had a 10-15 minute meeting with Padilla and they swapped phone numbers. Says it was cordial and beneficial. He had concerns about ICE operations & they opened up a line of communication. Said it was a good meeting and things are okay between the two of them (outside of all the political reaction happening now).”
Padilla’s office released a statement addressing the incident: “[Padilla] tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offered its perspective on X, stating, “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. [Secret Service] thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately. Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting.”
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.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 12, 2025
Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers’… https://t.co/5TGxrRZ2Ex
The incident ignited a wave of reactions across social media. Washington Free Beacon’s Chuck Ross noted on X, “A member of Alex Padilla’s staff just so happened to record Padilla’s outburst and then him getting handcuffed in the hall by FBI, and then sent the video to a local TV anchor.” Conservative commentator Steve Guest criticized Padilla, saying, “Padilla missed Senate votes all week, only to throw a temper tantrum, rush the stage where DHS Secretary Noem was speaking, and get forcibly removed by security.”
Governor Newsom leapt to Padilla’s defense on X, declaring, “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.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) demanded an investigation, stating, “Watching this video sickened my stomach, the manhandling of a United States Senator, Senator Padilla. We need immediate answers to what the hell went on.”
On the other side, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) remarked to Punchbowl News, “He has a responsibility to his constituents to show up at work, not to go try to make a spectacle of himself.”
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
