Omar's State of the Union Guest Arrested for Standing During Trump's Speech

Congresswoman calls for explanation of 'heavy-handed response' to peaceful protest

Feb. 25, 2026 at 10:50pm

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Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said her guest Aliya Rahman was 'forcibly removed' from the House chamber and arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on 'Unlawful Conduct' charges after she stood up silently during President Trump's State of the Union address. Omar called the arrest a 'chilling message about the state of our democracy' and is demanding a full explanation.

Why it matters

The arrest of Omar's guest for a peaceful protest during the State of the Union raises concerns about free speech and the right to dissent, especially for marginalized communities that have faced aggressive treatment by law enforcement. It also highlights ongoing tensions between the Democratic congresswoman and the Trump administration.

The details

According to Omar, her constituent Aliya Rahman was 'forcibly removed' from the House chamber and arrested after she 'stood up silently' during part of Trump's remarks. Reports indicate Rahman was 'aggressively handled' until someone intervened to get her medical attention. She was taken to the hospital and later booked at the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters.

  • On Tuesday evening during President Trump's State of the Union address
  • In January, Rahman was stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis and dragged out of her vehicle

The players

Rep. Ilhan Omar

A Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota who said her guest Aliya Rahman was arrested for standing during Trump's speech.

Aliya Rahman

Omar's constituent who was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on 'Unlawful Conduct' charges for standing up silently during Trump's State of the Union address.

President Donald Trump

The president whose remarks during the State of the Union prompted Omar's guest to stand up, leading to her arrest.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Congresswoman (X)

“But honestly the thing that I'm far more concerned about than myself is that this is an ongoing fear and threat for people around this country. What happened to me is absolutely not new in the history of this country, and we have not seen accountability that gives me any reason to believe this won't be done to somebody else, so that's what I'm thinking about today.”

— Aliya Rahman (MS NOW)

What’s next

Rep. Omar is calling for a full explanation from U.S. Capitol Police about why her guest was arrested for the peaceful protest during the State of the Union address.

The takeaway

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Democratic congresswoman and the Trump administration, as well as broader concerns about free speech and the right to dissent, especially for marginalized communities that have faced aggressive treatment by law enforcement.