Ilhan Omar Claims Guest Was Forcibly Removed During State of the Union
Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar has asserted that her invited guest to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address was "forcibly removed" and arrested for engaging in a silent protest. The Minnesota lawmaker simultaneously defended her own vocal heckling of the president during the annual speech.
Guest's Arrest and Medical Treatment
Omar had invited Aliya Rahman, a 43-year-old US citizen, to attend the presidential address following Rahman's controversial arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents last month. During Trump's speech, Rahman stood up in silent protest as the president discussed immigration raids in Minnesota.
"For that, she was forcibly removed, despite warning officers about her injured shoulders and ultimately charged with 'Unlawful Conduct'," Omar stated on social media. "Reports indicate she was aggressively handled until someone intervened to secure medical attention."
Rahman was subsequently taken to George Washington University Hospital for treatment before being booked at United States Capitol Police headquarters. The guest later claimed she spent several hours in jail and said officers aggravated injuries she sustained during her ICE apprehension last month.
Rahman's Account of the Incident
Rahman explained her decision to stand during the speech, telling Democracy Now: "The moment I heard this man say some of the most racist things I have heard come out of any leader's mouth about the people of my city... I wanted to see with my own eyes who had still come to this building to govern."
The disabled woman, who has autism and reported torn rotator cuff tendons with multiple cartilage tears in both shoulders, claimed: "Only when their own sergeant intervened... to say 'Stop! We need to get her medical care and a wheelchair' did they stop tugging on me while again I was saying, 'disabled.'"
Capitol Police Response and Charges
An unsigned statement from Capitol Police noted that "all State of the Union tickets clearly explain that demonstrating is prohibited" and "the guest was told to sit down, but refused to obey our lawful orders." Rahman now faces a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six months in prison and a $500 fine.
Records obtained by the Daily Mail reveal Rahman previously pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing charges in Ohio and received multiple traffic violations.
Omar's Defense of Her Own Conduct
The lawmaker also defended her vocal interruptions during the speech, where she yelled "You've killed Americans" at Trump alongside Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who chanted "KKK" at Republican lawmakers.
When asked by CNN's Wolf Blitzer if she should have joined other Democrats in boycotting the event, Omar responded: "No, I think it was really unavoidable. The president talked about protecting Americans, and I just had to remind him that his administration was responsible for killing two of my constituents."
Omar referenced constituents Renee Niccole Good and Alex Pretti, both killed at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota earlier this year. She defiantly stated she had no regrets about her actions.
Political Backlash and Criticism
President Trump responded on his Truth Social page, suggesting Omar and Tlaib should leave the United States, describing them as having "the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick."
Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania criticized his colleagues' behavior, telling Fox News: "The constant kinds of yelling and screaming and you know, holding up signs and doing all of these things - I don't care if it's a Republican or Democrat as the president, just don't do that. Respect the office."
Despite the criticism, Omar maintained her position, emphasizing the importance of representing her constituents and highlighting what she views as administration failures.
