A guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D, Minn.) was arrested for standing during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Omar posted on X Wednesday that her guest—Aliya Rahman, a U.S. Citizen with disabilities who had a physical altercation with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January— “stood up silently in the gallery during the president’s speech for a short period of time” and was “forcibly removed” from the House chamber and “ultimately charged with ‘Unlawful Conduct.’”
Who is Aliya Rahman?
Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American software engineer, is a resident of Minneapolis with autism and a traumatic brain injury. Rahman made headlines in January after a video of federal agents forcibly removing her from her car amid an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis went viral. In the video, Rahman, on her way to a medical appointment, was dragged out of the car and carried by federal agents while screaming that she was disabled.
Rahman was later taken to ICE’s detention center and, in congressional testimony earlier this month, decried the impact on her physical, mental, and emotional health, detailing alleged mistreatment and denial of medical care while in detention.
U.S. Capitol Police stated that Rahman “started demonstrating” around 10:07 p.m. And was told to sit down but refused. The police similarly stated that it is illegal to disrupt Congress and demonstrate in the Congressional Buildings.
Rahman, 43, was released early Wednesday morning. Speaking to Democracy Now!, she said the sergeant-at-arms told her she was arrested for “standing up silently,” and claimed officers stopped pulling on her only when another sergeant intervened.
Rahman added that she was arrested “so physically that two other attendees upstairs attempted to intervene in officers pulling on my shoulders” despite her informing them of torn rotator cuff tendons and cartilage tears in both shoulders.
Disruptions during State of the Union speeches are not unprecedented. Rep. Al Green of Texas was similarly escorted out of the House chamber during a previous address by President Trump.
Omar herself shouted “liar” when the President discussed alleged corruption in the Somali migrant community in Minnesota, and yelled “You’ve killed Americans!” when Trump spoke about illegal immigration, prompting a response from the President.
Omar told CNN Wednesday she did not regret shouting at Trump and confirmed Rahman was “back and safe.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Aliya Rahman charged with?
Aliya Rahman was charged with “Unlawful Conduct,” which, according to the source, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in prison or a fine of up to $500.
What did U.S. Capitol Police say about the incident?
U.S. Capitol Police stated that Rahman “started demonstrating” and refused to obey lawful orders to sit down, and that demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is illegal. They also stated that all State of the Union tickets clearly explain that demonstrating is prohibited.
What did Aliya Rahman say about her arrest?
Aliya Rahman stated that she was arrested for “standing up silently” and claimed officers only stopped pulling on her when another sergeant intervened. She also said she was arrested “so physically” that other attendees attempted to intervene on her behalf.
As debates over immigration policy and political expression continue, how might incidents like this shape future interactions between lawmakers, their constituents, and security personnel during public events?
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