One of the guests invited by Ilhan Omar was arrested Tuesday evening after demonstrating during the State of the Union address delivered by Donald Trump, according to the United States Capitol Police. Authorities identified the individual as Aliya M. Rahman, 43, of Minneapolis. Police said Rahman was taken into custody after standing in the House gallery and refusing repeated instructions from officers to sit down while the president was speaking. The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 10:07 p.m. during the address. In a statement following the event, Capitol Police emphasized that all attendees are informed in advance of the rules governing conduct within the chamber. Officials noted that State of the Union tickets clearly state that demonstrations are not permitted inside the House gallery. According to the department, Rahman began demonstrating from her seat and declined multiple lawful orders from officers to stop.
Law enforcement officials explained that disrupting congressional proceedings or engaging in demonstrations inside congressional buildings violates federal and local regulations. Rahman was subsequently arrested and charged under D.C. Code §10-503.16, which addresses unlawful conduct and interference with congressional proceedings. Police later confirmed that Rahman was released with a citation, noting that this procedure is typical for certain misdemeanor offenses. Rahman attended the address as one of four guests invited by Representative Omar, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Omar previously highlighted Rahman as an advocate for increased accountability and transparency regarding the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rahman had drawn national attention earlier this year following an encounter with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Federal officials reported that the incident occurred when Rahman allegedly refused repeated instructions to move her vehicle away from an active enforcement scene. Authorities stated that she was detained after declining to comply with orders and engaging in conduct that interfered with federal agents performing their duties. Her arrest during the State of the Union has added another dimension to the ongoing discussion about protest restrictions, security protocols, and political expression within congressional settings.
