Omar says her State of the Union guest was arrested for standing during Trump’s speech
The Hill
by Sarah DavisFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) revealed that her constituent and State of the Union guest, Aliya Rahman, was forcibly removed from the House chamber by U.S. Capitol Police during President Trump’s address on Tuesday evening. According to Omar, Rahman was arrested on charges of “Unlawful Conduct” after standing during Trump’s speech, an act that appears to have triggered security concerns or perceived disrespect. The incident has sparked debates about free speech and decorum in the Capitol.
The removal of Rahman occurred as Trump delivered his State of the Union address, a high-profile event attended by members of Congress and their guests. Omar highlighted the gravity of the situation by sharing details on her social media platform X, where she described the arrest as “forcible” and criticized the actions taken against her constituent. This move has drawn attention to tensions between political expression and security protocols in such settings.
The case raises questions about how authorities handle disruptive or dissenting behavior during major political events. Supporters of Trump may argue that such measures are necessary to maintain order and respect for the speaker, while critics could view it as a suppression of free speech. Omar herself condemned the arrest as a “shameful attack on free speech,” underscoring the broader implications of the incident.
This event reflects ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress, particularly regarding Trump’s presidency. It also highlights the delicate balance between enforcing decorum and safeguarding First Amendment rights in legislative settings. As political polarization continues to influence public discourse, incidents like this serve as reminders of the challenges in managing dissent within institutional frameworks.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026