"I am Senator Alex Padilla."
"I am Senator Alex Padilla," he said, adding that he had "questions for the secretary,” as he was shoving to get past apparent security personnel in the briefing room as he was removed.
DHS said of the incident, "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," DHS added, "Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting."
Fox News' Bill Melugin reported, "I’m told Noem is in a room meeting with Senator Padilla right now. After I stopped recording, my team witnessed him being taken to the ground by FBI personnel and he was temporarily detained," Melugin wrote in a post.
More video showed that Padilla was put into handcuffs after he was removed from the room.
When Noem was asked by reporters about the incident, she stated, “I don’t even know the senator. He did not request a meeting or to speak with me. So when I leave here, I will have a conversation with him and visit and find out really what his concerns are."
“I think everyone in America would agree that was inappropriate," she added. "That if you wanted to have a civil discussion, especially as a leader, as a public official that you would reach out and try to have a conversation."
Melugin later reported that Noem as well as Padilla met after the incident where they exchanged contact information. "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)."
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Comments
2025-06-12T17:18-0400 | Comment by: Jeffrey
He "had to be forcefully removed" from a press conference for asking a question in spite of the fact he clearly stated his name & that he is a US Senator? This is clearly an abuse of power by Noem. He was well within his rights & lawful duties to question Noem at any press conference. She's a public servant & has a duty to answer to the public whom he represents. It's unfortunate that a "journalist" at The Post Millennial doesn't seem to understand that basic fact.