California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office came under intense scrutiny Saturday after posting a remark on social media about Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem that was ultimately referred to the U.S. Secret Service for a threat assessment. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
"I've referred this matter to [the Secret Service] and requested a full threat assessment," he said.
McLaughlin replied to the X post from Newsom's office, calling it "ugly" and saying it read like a threat.
"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," McLaughlin said.
Republican California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez blasted the comment, telling Fox News Digital that such remarks increase the likelihood of future political violence.
"Our Governor can’t keep his foot out of his mouth," Sanchez told Fox News Digital.
Several hours after the initial X post, the governor's press office followed up with news of a legislative package aimed at protecting immigrant communities and that would "hold Trump accountable" — seemingly the development they suggested would give Noem "a bad day."
Republican California Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez blasted the social media post made by Newsom's press office. (California State Assembly)
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"We celebrate that diversity. It’s what makes California great. It’s what makes America great. It is under assault," Newsom said at a press conference in Los Angeles on Saturday. "This is the United States of America, and I’m really proud of the state of California and our state of mind that we’re pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies and actions of this administration."
DHS and Newsom's press office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gavin-newsom-press-office-post-kristi-noem-triggers-secret-service-threat-assessment-referral