A guest invited by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was arrested by US Capitol Police during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address after allegedly violating rules governing conduct inside the congressional chamber.
Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, had invited Aliya Rahman, a Minneapolis resident and US citizen, to attend the event. According to Capitol Police, Rahman was detained after she stood during the speech in what authorities described as a demonstration, reported The Guardian.
"The guest was told to sit down, but refused to obey our lawful orders," Capitol Police was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "It is illegal to disrupt the Congress and demonstrate in the congressional buildings."
Rahman was later arrested on charges of unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress.
Rahman says she stood silently
Speaking to Democracy Now on Wednesday, Rahman disputed claims that she had disrupted proceedings, saying she had remained silent throughout.
"No buttons, no facial expressions, no gestures, no signs, not one sound," Rahman was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "There are only two things you can do at the State of the Union, and they are, sit down and stand up. All kinds of people were standing up all night. Me too. I stood up 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."
Responding to her account, a Capitol Police spokesperson told The Guardian, "It's not allowed. She was told to sit. She refused. It's simple."
Omar calls for investigation
In a statement, Omar called for a review of the incident, and was quoted as saying by The Guardian, "My guest, Aliya Rahman, stood up silently in the gallery during the president’s speech for a short period of time, part of which other guests were also standing. For that, she was forcibly removed, despite warning officers about her injured shoulders and ultimately charged with 'unlawful conduct'."
She added that Rahman was taken to George Washington University Hospital for treatment before being booked at Capitol Police headquarters.
"The heavy-handed response to a peaceful guest sends a chilling message about the state of our democracy. I am calling for a full explanation of why this arrest occurred," Omar said.
Context of broader immigration debate
Rahman had earlier been involved in an incident in January in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operations. Omar said she invited Rahman to highlight "what the ICE occupation has meant for our constituents and the real harm that this administration has caused."
Capitol Police noted that lawmakers who protested during the speech were not arrested because they are protected under the Constitution's speech or debate clause, adding, "All State of the Union tickets clearly explain that demonstrating is prohibited."
Omar later said Rahman was "back and safe" following her hospital visit and arrest.
