Friends, I’m sure you’ve seen the footage of Senator Alex Padilla being forcefully removed, pushed to the ground, and handcuffed while attempting to ask a question at a DHS press conference.

It’s despicable, and it’s scary.

Not only does the Constitution literally mandate that as a Member of Congress he ask questions and conduct oversight where it’s needed – it’s also his constitutional right as an American.

Watching a United States senator be tackled to the ground simply for asking why the military has been deployed into his hometown (over the objections of its mayor and governor!) should raise every single alarm bell we’ve got.

So what can we do? Here are three things I think we should all do right now:

1. Support Senator Padilla. Click here to make a split donation and let him know you’re behind him.

2. Do NOT stop peacefully protesting and raising your voice. I’ll be at the No Kings Day of Action at Waterfront Park on Saturday, and I hope to see you there. (Or find another event near you – there are protests and rallies in more than 1,500 cities!)

3. Call your representatives at (202) 224-3121 and urge them to demand answers from Senate Majority Leader Thune and Secretary Noem about this unacceptable incident.

I’ll leave you with one really important learning from my time working in post-coup transitions and conflict stabilization before I came to Congress:

When we see democratic backsliding – and that’s exactly what we’re seeing – the most important thing we can do is stay in community. Trump is counting on us to be too intimidated or overwhelmed or tired to push back. So we have to do the opposite.

Participating in these peaceful protests, connecting with groups, and staying in close touch with others who care about this country does so much to protect democracy – so please keep going.

Thanks for reading. I hope to see you tomorrow!

-Sara