Ilhan Omar's State of the Union guest arrested at Trump's speech

Minneapolis resident Aliya Rahman was removed from the House chamber after standing up silently during the address.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Aliya Rahman, a Minneapolis resident and guest of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police during President Trump's State of the Union address after she stood up silently during a portion of the speech.

Why it matters

The arrest of Omar's guest at the high-profile State of the Union event has sparked debate over free speech rights and security protocols at such major political events.

The details

Rahman, a local activist, stood up silently during a portion of Trump's speech, prompting Capitol Police to remove her from the House chamber. She was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct.

  • Aliya Rahman stood up silently during President Trump's State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.

The players

Aliya Rahman

A Minneapolis resident and guest of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar who was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police during President Trump's State of the Union address.

Ilhan Omar

The U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district, who invited Aliya Rahman as her guest to the State of the Union.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect the right to peaceful protest, even in the halls of Congress.”

— Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

What’s next

Aliya Rahman is expected to appear in court in the coming days to face the unlawful conduct charges.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around free speech and security at major political events, as well as the role of lawmakers in advocating for constituents' rights to peacefully protest.