Omar States Her SOTU Guest Was ‘Forcefully Taken Out’ of the Gallery

Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Claims on Guests at Trump’s State of the Union

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) alleged that attendees at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union on Tuesday were “forcibly removed” from the bleachers.

In a social media post, Omar stated, “My guest, Aliya Rahman, stood silently in the gallery briefly during the president’s speech, while other guests were also standing. Despite informing officers about her shoulder injury, she was forcibly removed and charged with ‘unlawful conduct.’

Following the incident, Democratic lawmakers called for clarification. Omar added, “Reports indicate she was treated harshly until someone stepped in to get her medical assistance. She was transported to George Washington University Hospital for care and later processed at Capitol Police Headquarters. This kind of heavy-handed action against a peaceful guest sends a disturbing message about our democracy’s state. I demand a full account of why this arrest happened.”

In January, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly pulled Rahman, an American citizen, from her vehicle in Minneapolis after she found herself caught between police and protesters at an intersection, as reported by the Associated Press on January 15.

A report aired by a local news outlet shows Rahman in her car as police and protesters gather nearby. It seems she moved her vehicle forward several times while an officer stood next to it. Not long after, a police officer removed her from the car.

Rahman claimed she was on her way to a medical appointment, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described her as an instigator who “ignored several orders from police to move her vehicle away from the area.”

In a February 6 social media update, ICE stated, “Our video clearly shows Aliya Rahman had adequate space to remove herself and her vehicle from the scene. Officers walked away, anticipating she would leave, yet she stayed put, continuing to obstruct their efforts.”

According to New America’s website, Rahman has collaborated with the Open Technology Institute on initiatives related to body-worn camera policies and community fiber expansion.

Her profile indicates that she previously worked as Program Director at Code for Progress, handling the recruitment and training of community organizers of color for developer positions. She also served as a field director for the Ohio Office of Equality, working to connect racial justice activists, LGBT rights groups, and labor organizations.