J. Philippe Abraham Vice President | American Federation of Teachers
AFT President Randi Weingarten has responded to an incident involving U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, who was tackled and handcuffed by federal officials during a public press conference in his home state. Weingarten expressed strong disapproval of the actions taken against the senator.
“This is a disgrace: The authoritarianism we have warned about is on full, disgusting and disturbing display," said Weingarten. She highlighted that such assaults undermine democracy and the rule of law. "First a mayor, then a congressman, now a U.S. senator. These assaults are offensive to democracy, to the rule of law and to the idea of America itself, and they must end now."
Weingarten also referenced Senator Padilla's concerns about the broader implications of such actions by federal agents. "As the senator said, if this is what federal agents are capable of doing to elected officials in plain sight, imagine what they’re doing in our communities, our farms and our schools every day."
The AFT plans to stand against these types of attacks and advocate for a vision of America rooted in free speech, democracy, and liberty for all.
Randi Weingarten serves as President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), with Fedrick C. Ingram as Secretary-Treasurer and Evelyn DeJesus as Executive Vice President.
Photographs, illustrations, and text from AFT cannot be used without permission.
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