Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas said she broke down in tears after watching video footage of Senator Alex Padilla being forcefully removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference. Crockett made the statement during a recent appearance on comedian Hasan Minhaj’s podcast, where she reacted emotionally to the viral clip showing the incident that took place in June.
She explained that she had no prior knowledge of the situation and was caught off guard when she saw the footage on TV. Describing the moment, she said the video loop of Padilla being escorted out by security made her cry. Crockett expressed disbelief and frustration, especially because Padilla is the first Latino senator from California and holds senior status in the state. She criticized the lack of respect shown toward him, both as a senator and as a person.
Crockett also condemned the handling of the situation, saying no one should be tackled by law enforcement simply for speaking up. She called the response a reflection of a “sinister” administration.
The incident unfolded during a press briefing in Los Angeles, where DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was delivering remarks. Padilla entered unannounced, interrupted the secretary, and tried to ask questions. He was not immediately recognized and was quickly surrounded by Secret Service and FBI agents, who ordered him to raise his hands.
“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla,” he shouted as he was taken to the ground and briefly handcuffed. Despite being released shortly after and meeting with Noem, the footage of the takedown went viral and drew strong reactions.
While over 200 Democrats condemned the removal in a joint letter, calling it unprecedented and unacceptable, many Republicans said Padilla’s actions turned the event into a political stunt. The episode occurred amid ongoing riots in Los Angeles triggered by ICE raids, which led President Trump to send in the National Guard and enforce citywide curfews.
