Senators were left stunned Thursday by video of their colleague Alex Padilla getting manhandled and handcuffed in Los Angeles.
The California Democrat was attempting to enter a news conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when he was physically confronted by law enforcement, forced out of the room and handcuffed on the floor.
“I’m Senator Alex Padilla,” he said as it happened. “I have questions for the secretary.” His office put out a statement saying he is “not currently detained.”
Padilla’s fellow Democrats responded with shock and dismay as they left the Capitol after taking the week’s final votes Thursday.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it “sickened my stomach — the manhandling of a United States Senator.” Padilla’s California colleague Adam Schiff called for an immediate investigation.
Several other Democrats were dropping the word “fascism” in conversations as they made their way out of the Capitol.
“It’s looking more and more like a fascist state out there every day,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, while a visibly upset Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said, “We’re watching the end of democracy.”
Some Republican senators also expressed concern. “It’s horrible,” said Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “It is shocking at every level. It’s not the America I know.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he wanted to “get the facts and find out exactly what happened before we make any comments about it.” But Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) scoffed that Padilla “got what he wanted, he’s on TV,” while Majority Whip John Barrasso had this observation: “Why isn’t he here in Washington voting?”
Jordain Carney, Nicholas Wu and Jennifer Scholtes contributed to this report.
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