A guest of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, was arrested by Capitol police during the State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Arrest Follows Prior Incident
Omar had invited Aliya Rahman, a US citizen and Minneapolis resident, to the address. Rahman was previously removed from her car and dragged by immigration agents in January as part of increased efforts by the Trump administration to arrest and deport individuals alleged to be undocumented immigrants. Rahman told officers at the time she was “disabled, trying to move to the doctor up there” and that the officers caused her shoulder injuries.
During President Trump’s speech, Rahman “started demonstrating,” violating rules for the event, according to the Capitol police. The police stated that Rahman was told to sit down but “refused to obey our lawful orders,” and was subsequently arrested for unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Rahman told Democracy Now that she was standing silently before being arrested, stating, “No buttons, no facial expressions, no gestures, no signs, not one sound.” She explained she stood “at the moment that 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.”
However, a Capitol police spokesperson told the Guardian that standing was “not allowed” and that Rahman “refused” to sit down when asked.
Congresswoman Omar has called for an investigation into the arrest, stating that Rahman was “forcibly removed” despite informing officers about her injured shoulders. Omar added that reports indicate Rahman was “aggressively handled” before receiving medical attention at George Washington University Hospital and being booked at the United States Capitol Police headquarters.
Omar characterized the response as “a chilling message about the state of our democracy.”
Broader Context of Protest
During his speech, President Trump attacked public officials in sanctuary cities for blocking the “removal of criminal aliens.” Omar too shouted at Trump, stating, “You have killed Americans.” The Capitol police stated that Omar and other lawmakers who protested during the speech were not arrested due to protections afforded by the speech or debate clause of the constitution.
Rahman, a software engineer, stated in an interview that elected officials should focus on “policies and ways to govern this country that make people’s lives better,” rather than “point[ing] at folks they would like to construct as enemies.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Aliya Rahman arrested on?
Rahman was arrested on charges of unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress.
What did Aliya Rahman say about her reason for standing?
Rahman said she stood during the speech at the moment she heard “some of the most racist things” from the President about the people of her city.
What was the Capitol Police’s response to Rahman’s claim she was standing silently?
The Capitol Police stated that standing is “not allowed” and that Rahman “refused” to sit down when asked.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what further action, if any, will be taken regarding Rahman’s arrest and the concerns raised by Congresswoman Omar.
