UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office is under intense scrutiny after a controversial social media post targeting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has prompted calls for an official investigation. The post, which included the phrase, “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America,” was shared on X early Saturday morning, October 21, 2023, raising alarms in a politically charged climate.
Officials confirm that Bill Essayli, the acting US attorney for the Central District of California, has requested the Secret Service to conduct a “full threat assessment” regarding the post. “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials,” Essayli stated in a follow-up post on X, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Following the backlash, Newsom’s office clarified that the post was referring to an upcoming immigration-related legislation that includes a ban on federal law enforcement wearing masks. However, this explanation did little to quell the criticism.
The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, condemned the post, stating, “This reads like a threat.” She further remarked, “This is ugly, @GavinNewsom. Your keyboard warrior team may hide behind their laptops and spew this kind of vitriol, but you would never have the guts to say this to her face.”
A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed their awareness of the situation but refrained from commenting on specific details, stating, “The Secret Service must vigorously investigate any situation or individual that could pose or be perceived as posing a threat.”
This incident occurs amid heightened concerns for the safety of political figures following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a response to this tragic event, numerous government officials, including members of Congress, are advocating for increased security measures.
Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has publicly attributed the rising tension to the rhetoric used by Democrats. “The threat level has never been higher in the United States,” emphasized former DHS adviser Charles Marino, who criticized Newsom’s press office for their inflammatory language. “This is not the maturity and the civility that helps lower the threat level,” he added, calling for a cooling down of political rhetoric.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also criticized Newsom’s office, labeling their post “a threat” and expressing disgust over its timing, coinciding with Kirk’s memorial weekend. “To make a threat like this… is beyond the pale and totally disgusting,” Cheung remarked.
The political tension surrounding this incident is palpable, with many calling for accountability. Earlier this year, the Secret Service and DHS investigated James Comey for a post that some interpreted as a threat against former President Trump, showcasing the heightened sensitivity surrounding political discourse today.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the implications of Newsom’s press office’s statements and their potential impact on political safety in an already fraught environment. The Secret Service’s investigation is expected to shed light on the necessary steps to ensure the protection of government officials.
Stay tuned for live updates on this developing story as authorities take definitive actions in response to this urgent situation.