California senator removed from room after interrupting news conference by Kristi Noem
Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about immigration raids that have led to protests in California and around the country.
Video shows a Secret Service agent on Noem’s security detail grabbing Padilla, who represents California, by his jacket and shoving him from the room as he tried to interrupt Noem’s news conference in Los Angeles.
“I’m Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” he shouted in a halting voice.
The stunning scene of a U.S. senator being aggressively removed from a Cabinet secretary’s news conference prompted immediate outrage from his Democratic colleagues in the chamber. It comes as the Trump administration has aggressively targeted protesters in California who are demonstrating against immigration raids, including by sending in National Guard troops and Marines. (snip-MORE)
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Missouri Gov. Kehoe activates National Guard ahead of planned protests across the state
KANSAS CITY, MO —
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has activated the Missouri National Guard in anticipation of protests planned across the state.
Kehoe signed an executive order on Thursday, declaring a state of emergency and authorizing the Guard to support local law enforcement if necessary.
“We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,” Governor Kehoe said. “While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities.”
The executive order comes two days following hundreds of Kansas Citians marching downtown in protest of ICE. There were protests in St. Louis as well.
This weekend, a large crowd is expected at Mill Creek Park on the Country Club Plaza.
They will take part in the “No Kings” rally, set the same day as a Flag Day military parade that is also President Donald Trump’s birthday.
Kansas City mayor responds on National Guard’s activation
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office said the mayor is “concerned with enhanced enforcement for one set of protestors,” referencing the Patriot Front’s march on Memorial Day Weekend.
His office’s statement in full:
“Mayor Lucas is concerned with enhanced state enforcement for one set of protestors, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Neo-Nazis march through Missouri’s urban streets. The Mayor has confidence in responsible protestors to use their First Amendment rights peacefully and in compliance with the law. More than one thousand Kansas Citians protested peacefully and responsibly just days ago. For those who do not act responsibly, the Mayor stands by the women and men of local law enforcement at KCPD and other agencies to handle any necessary enforcement actions. Unnecessary escalation from our nation’s capital and state capitals undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe.”
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune said it was a “preemptive” declaration of emergency.
Her statement:
“Governor Kehoe’s preemptive declaration of a state of emergency as Missourians prepare to protest an increasingly authoritarian presidential administration is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights. The protests planned this weekend across Missouri and throughout the nation were sparked by the president’s unwarranted and heavy-handed military response to opposition to his policies. By doing the same, the governor will only heighten tensions and increase the possibility of conflict. Governor Kehoe should staunchly defend the rights of Missourians, not mimic the authoritarianism of the president.” (snip-MORE)
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