Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) condemned the forcible removal and handcuffing of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) at a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, calling the incident "horrible" and "shocking at every level."
Several Capitol Hill reporters quoted her as saying, "I've seen that one clip. It's horrible. It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know."
The confrontation occurred when Padilla attempted to question DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about federal immigration enforcement and citywide protests. DHS officials claimed Padilla failed to identify himself and acted aggressively, prompting agents to detain him as a potential threat.
However, video footage shows Padilla identifying himself, contradicting DHS's claim.
According to Politico, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed his disgust, stating the incident "sickened my stomach — the manhandling of a United States Senator."
He joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in calling for an immediate investigation, labeling the act as authoritarian.
Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy, also expressed alarm, with Warren stating, “It’s looking more and more like a fascist state out there every day,” and Murphy adding, “We’re watching the end of democracy.”
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Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) reportedly said the footage of Padilla being detained is “disturbing.”“What could justify that kind of treatment?” he asked. “To see a United States senator handled in that way is deeply concerning. A lot of questions need to be answered.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D) emphasized the need to “get the facts and find out exactly what happened before we make any comments about it.”
Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned, “Why isn’t he here in Washington voting?”