Laserfiche WebLink
ongr of fl)v Tbiltrb btateo <br /> June 16, 2025 <br /> The Honorable John Thune <br /> Senate Majority Leader <br /> United States Senate <br /> Washington, D.C. 20510 <br /> The Honorable Mike Johnson <br /> Speaker of the House <br /> U.S. House of Representatives <br /> Washington, D.C. 20515 <br /> Dear Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson, <br /> We write to express our profound concern regarding the shocking and deeply troubling mistreatment of United <br /> States Senator Alex Padilla on Thursday, June 12, at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles. While <br /> visiting the building for a scheduled briefing with military officials, Senator Padilla attempted to ask a question <br /> during a press conference being held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the same <br /> building. <br /> As has been widely reported and documented, Senator Padilla was thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and <br /> forcibly restrained by agents of the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation while <br /> attempting to lawfully exercise his constitutional and congressional authority to question a senior official of the <br /> current administration. <br /> Senator Padilla clearly identified himself and was acting within his rights as a Member of Congress. The use of <br /> force against a sitting senator—in a federal building, during official business—is a grave breach of protocol. It <br /> is also a potential violation of separation of powers and raises alarming questions about the conduct of federal <br /> law enforcement agencies, the coordination of protective services, and the administration's posture toward <br /> congressional oversight. <br /> This unprecedented incident is not simply an affront to security protocol—it is a constitutional issue—as these <br /> actions may constitute an assault on a sitting senator. If members of the United States Senate can be physically <br /> restrained for seeking answers from executive officials, it sets a dangerous precedent for the independence of <br /> the legislative branch. <br /> We look forward to your swift and decisive action to uphold the dignity and authority of Congress. <br /> Sincerely, <br />