1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The forcible removal and handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla for simply trying to ask a question at a press conference is a blatant violation of democratic principles and an abuse of power. This administration's actions are suppressing legitimate oversight and dissent, undermining the system of checks and balances that is essential to a functioning democracy. Such authoritarian tactics to silence elected representatives cannot be tolerated in a free society. I urge you to swiftly condemn this outrageous conduct and take immediate steps to ensure it does not occur again. Elected officials must be able to carry out their duties, ask questions, and seek accountability from the administration without fear of physical intimidation or retaliation. The American people deserve full transparency and open discourse, not the strongarm bullying we have witnessed here. Upholding democratic norms and the rule of law should be of utmost priority. I call on you to decisively act to rein in this administration's excesses and safeguard our democratic institutions.