Omar Guest Arrested at State of the Union Sparks Outcry

WASHINGTON, D.C., Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) says her invited guest at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address was forcibly removed and arrested by Capitol Police during the joint session, igniting fresh debate over protest rights and law enforcement actions inside the U.S. Capitol.

Aliya Rahman, a software engineer from Minneapolis, was charged with unlawful conduct after briefly standing during the president’s address, according to Omar, who described the removal as “heavy-handed” and unacceptable. The rare arrest inside the House chamber has drawn sharp reactions from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates alike.

The Incident: Guest Arrested Inside the Chamber

Rep. Omar outlined her account of the events during a public statement following the deposition:

• Rahman stood silently in the gallery for a short period.
• Officers reportedly warned of her injured shoulders.
• Capitol Police allegedly “aggressively handled” Rahman.
• She was taken to George Washington University Hospital for treatment.

Omar accused authorities of treating a peaceful guest as a criminal, calling for an explanation of the decision to arrest her in the middle of the nationally televised address.

Capitol Police and Charges

Capitol Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and details surrounding the specific conduct that led to the charge remain limited. Unlawful conduct carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of $500.

In remarks covered by Democracy Now, Rahman said: “I was arrested for standing up,” underscoring the protest element at the heart of the incident.

Political Reactions

The arrest occurred against the backdrop of recent federal “Operation Metro Surge” immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, which have fueled partisan tensions.

Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer said the committee is asking questions rather than making accusations, affirming that those involved will receive due process. Democrats, however, denounced what they see as overreach, with several calling for broader scrutiny of law enforcement actions during political events.

As debate continues, the incident is likely to remain a flashpoint in discussions over protest rights, security protocols, and political expression within the seat of U.S. government.