The Trump administration is dragging us further from a democracy and closer to a dictatorship.

Yesterday, my colleague, Senator Alex Padilla, was thrown to the ground by federal agents at a press conference hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Kirsti Noem. He was doing his duty as an elected official, asking questions and attempting to get answers on behalf of the American people.

Instead, he was forcefully removed — thrown to the ground and handcuffed by Trump’s thugs.

It is a tragedy when people who have dissenting voices are attempted to be silenced and it is a disgrace to our democracy.

I am of the opinion that the president won’t stop at arresting and detaining U.S. citizens and he won’t stop at forcefully removing U.S. Senators who are simply trying to do their job.

If they’ll come for him, they’ll come for you.

I want you to know that I am doing everything I can to stop the Trump administration from ignoring the rule of law and driving our country into a dictatorship. I’m fighting everyday in Congress to hold the president accountable and ensure Oregonians’ freedoms are protected.

Trump’s attempts to drag us into a dictatorship and use his power to silence dissenting voices will not be tolerated. That’s why we need to stand together, use our voices, and demand to be heard.

Thank you for using your voice,

Janelle Bynum