Even CNN and CBS Won’t Defend Padilla’s Bizarre DHS Briefing Meltdown [WATCH]

A press conference hosted by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was briefly disrupted Thursday when Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) approached the stage unannounced and failed to identify himself, prompting a rapid response from security personnel and igniting a wave of political commentary.

The incident occurred during a DHS press briefing in Los Angeles, where Secretary Noem was delivering remarks on federal response efforts.

Padilla entered the event without prior coordination, did not display any credentials, and approached the podium without making his identity as a United States senator known.

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Multiple news outlets confirmed that Padilla did not identify himself.

CNN correspondent Stephanie Elam stated during a live report that Padilla “did not make it clear who he was” and confirmed that he had “no visible credentials.”

WATCH: CNN’s Stephanie Elam specifically tells Jake Tapper that Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) “did not identify himself first when he was asking the question and interrupting her.”
But Tapper did not correct or fact-check Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) when she twice lied and… pic.twitter.com/rqG0PWGIrt

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) June 12, 2025

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Federal officials on the ground also indicated that security had no prior notice of his presence.

Senators and other elected officials are typically briefed on how to avoid security conflicts when entering official events, including the importance of proper identification and visible credentials such as lapel pins or staff escorts.

U.S. Senators receive security briefings including methods to identify themselves to police to avoid being hassled in Senate office buildings. If you’re not wearing your senatorial pin or any other identifying clothing like a suit you did it deliberately. https://t.co/srKWlv9J9M

— Anang Mittal अनंग मित्तल (@anangbhai) June 12, 2025

Following the scuffle, Padilla issued a statement accusing the administration of overreach.

“If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question,” Padilla said, “you can only imagine what they’re doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community, and throughout California, and throughout the country.”

NEW: California Senator Alex Padilla gets choked up and practically starts crying after being arrested for his stunt at DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference.

Padilla says he stumbled upon Noem’s press conference and simply “wanted to ask a question.”

The theatre here is… pic.twitter.com/rZGNC2nXOD

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 12, 2025

Secretary Noem, however, addressed the matter shortly afterward and downplayed the incident, confirming that she and Padilla had spoken and exchanged contact information.

After he interrupted our press conference with law enforcement, I met with Senator Padilla for 15 minutes. We probably disagree on 90% of the topics but we agreed to exchanged phone numbers and we will continue to talk—that is the way it should be in this country.

I wish he… pic.twitter.com/WdDs26jyCY

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) June 12, 2025

Despite the follow-up, the incident sparked immediate commentary from lawmakers and media figures, with some Democrats framing the event as an example of executive overreach.

Others criticized Padilla’s actions as reckless and unnecessary, noting the highly sensitive nature of federal briefings, especially amid heightened tensions and security threats.

HAHA Even CNN is calling out @SenAlexPadilla for pulling a STUNT to get him attention.

Weird how both Karen Bass and Newsom posted about this before the cuffs were on.

Democrats will do ANYTHING for their 5 minutes of fame. No wonder they’re polling at 21%. pic.twitter.com/9jnbHWawVM

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 12, 2025

Security officials emphasized that approaching a Cabinet secretary unannounced, especially without identification, triggers immediate protocols.

With increased concerns about violence against public officials in recent years, security personnel are trained to respond quickly to unknown individuals approaching federal leaders during official events.

Even outlets not typically critical of Democrat officials acknowledged that Padilla’s conduct was improper.

Performance art goes very, very wrong. Because when you’ve lost CBS News… https://t.co/RtoWBUxaVw

— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) June 13, 2025

CNN’s security analysts indicated the law enforcement response was appropriate, given the circumstances.

Omg. CNN brought on their legal expert in hopes that he would side with Sen. Padilla over DHS.

They were wrong.

“Officers are trying to lead him out, he turns and walks into those agents. At that point…we’re taking that person out against their will.”pic.twitter.com/0yD7jIIbbp

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) June 12, 2025

Though briefly dominating headlines, the incident was quickly overshadowed by breaking news overseas, as Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iran late Thursday night.

Still, for several hours, Padilla’s disruption remained a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over political theater and public safety.

No disciplinary actions have been announced, and Padilla has not issued any further statements since his initial remarks.

The event concluded without further disruption.

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