This entire episode was staged by Padilla’ people in an attempt to build his “street cred” with the liberals burning down LA.
If Padilla is guilty of any indiscretion it was being rude. Maybe it's just me but I don't think that justifies his forcible removal from the room followed by cuffing. He didn't force himself into the room and he immediately identified himself before questioning Noem.
From CNN's former FBI Agent on the incident: Appearing on CNN’s The Arena, security correspondent Josh Campbell said that agents acted appropriately in escorting the senator out of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference after he interrupted. “From a law enforcement perspective, we’re really looking at three separate incidents that happened within a short period of time,” Campbell explained. “First, you have the DHS secretary who was addressing the press. This was not a Q&A period, and she was interrupted. She was interrupted by someone who was speaking very loudly. And so her security detail confronts what we obviously now know to be the senator. And at that point, he is now going to be escorted out. You can’t interrupt something like that that’s already in progress without having those consequences. “The second incident, in my view, happens the moment — as officers are trying to lead him out — he then turns and walks back towards kind of into those agents. At that point, from a security detail perspective, we’re taking this person out against their will. We’ve asked the person — and again, this is all happening very quickly — but the moment he then turns into them, they realize this is not someone who is going to comply.” CNN's Josh Campbell Defends Kristi Noem, Agents Who Shoved Alex Padilla
It’s not that certain poster didn’t read the thread.. it’s that the explanation doesn’t line up with their FEELINGS on the matter. Facts have to take a back seat to FEELINGS. Sure several people with inside information and experience in these situations have commented that the LEO acted professionally and that Padilla was clearly in the wrong. But what do they know? Seriously? They weren’t actually there and all we have is video and audio to go by. Therefore their assessment is questionable at best because it doesn’t line up with how I FEEL about the incident! (Stick my tongue out and cross my arms in a huff!)
From CBS News: "This all happened very, very quickly," Evans describes. "It was only then, after he was being dragged out of the room that he identified himself as a U.S. senator."
Campbell's rationale is probably applicable to most persons who behaved in a disruptive manner. He didn't address the issue of whether it was appropriate in the case of a US Senator who was escorted in the room where the press conference was being held and identified himself. Josh Campbell is a former intelligence officer. So is Senator Elissa Slotkin. Edit: Although Campbell was previously a relatively high ranking FBI official his specialty was counterintelligence investigations not personal security.
Go back and read the pages of this thread and watch the video of Campbell's response. He states it was appropriate even with Padillia being a senator because of his actions. The CBS reporter stated he did not hear Padillia identify himself. Campbell and Slotkin both know that the PSD took the right and expected actions, it is too bad only one of them is willing to say it. BTW, Campbell works for the CNAS, a Democratic Leaning NatSec Think Tank, founded by Michele Flournoy. So it is not like he is a Republican saying these things.
was Elissa Slotkin there or is she just giving her spin? Seems like the CBS reporter video has far more credibility
Sure. Except I'm in the middle and don't have a side. But I give you credit for admitting you are just doing talking points and don't believe what you are actually saying.
While I don't doubt that the reporter was telling the truth as he perceived it I watched the video multiple times and clearly heard Padilla announce that he was a senator. There other aspects of the altercation may be subject to multiple interpretations but whether Padilla announced that he was a senator is not one of them. I would concede that it is very possible that in a noisy crowed room the reporter may not have heard Padilla clearly but that doesn't mean he never said that he was a senator.