This is a horrifying moment in our nation's history.

Yesterday, United States Senator Alex Padilla was violently removed from a public briefing for asking questions on behalf of the people he represents. People in California who deserve answers about the brutal crackdown on protesters.

I've watched the video, as many of you have as well. Let me just describe what it shows.

Officers pushed Senator Padilla backwards out of the room as he said the words, “I am Senator Padilla. I have questions for the Secretary.” He was then shoved to the ground.

When the Senator complied with the officers and went on his knees, he was forcibly pinned onto his stomach. He was ordered to put his hands behind his back. He can be heard on the video saying he is trying to comply with their orders. Officers then put handcuffs on the senator while he was lying on the ground. His staff was then told to stop recording the handcuffing.

He was put in handcuffs for asking a simple question.

He was put in handcuffs for doing his job as a United States Senator.

He was put in handcuffs for standing up for the Constitution of the United States.

He was put in handcuffs for representing the people of California.

Now, if you're not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are trying to suppress free speech, then just watch the video.

If you are not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are trying to undermine the foundations of our democracy, then watch the video.

If you are not yet convinced that President Trump and his administration are hell bent on punishing people with differing opinions than those of the President, then watch the video.

And here is the really chilling part. Make no mistake: What happened to Senator Padilla is happening every day all across this country. Every day DHS agents are throwing people to the ground and violently handcuffing them while they are not resisting, detaining them for exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech. Every day Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state.

If this is how federal agents treat a United States senator who peacefully asks questions of this administration, then we all have to ask: how far will they go? How violent will they get?

I know my Republican colleagues can see what happened was wrong. But will any Republican senator speak up for our democracy?

Where are our Republican colleagues?

Stand up and speak out.

This is a continuation of what we've been seeing: Intimidate every other check on presidential power in this country. Fire the civil service. Get rid of those people. Threaten to imprison judges. Criminally charge House members who try to visit an ice facility. Arrest senators who ask questions.

This is not a drill. This is an assault on our democracy. I am calling on every Republican member of Congress to condemn what happened. I am demanding a bipartisan investigation into this incident. And I’ll continue to raise the alarm about this horrifying moment for our democracy.

Elizabeth