One of the invited guests of Ilhan Omar was arrested Tuesday evening after demonstrating during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address, according to the United States Capitol Police. Aliya M. Rahman, 43, of Minneapolis, was taken into custody after standing in the House gallery and refusing repeated instructions from law enforcement officers to sit down while the president was delivering his remarks. Capitol Police reported that the incident occurred at approximately 10:07 p.m. during the address. In a statement following the incident, Capitol Police emphasized that attendees are clearly informed about the rules governing conduct within the chamber. “All State of the Union tickets clearly explain that demonstrating is prohibited,” the department stated. Officers said Rahman began demonstrating from the gallery and declined to comply with multiple lawful orders to stop.
Authorities noted that disrupting congressional proceedings or engaging in demonstrations within congressional buildings is prohibited under federal and local regulations. As a result, Rahman was arrested and charged under D.C. Code §10-503.16, which addresses unlawful conduct and the disruption of congressional proceedings. Police later confirmed that Rahman was released with a citation, describing the process as a routine procedure for certain misdemeanor offenses.Rahman attended the address as one of four guests invited by Rep. Omar, who has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Omar previously highlighted Rahman as someone advocating for greater accountability and transparency regarding the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rahman gained national attention earlier this year following an encounter with federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. According to federal authorities, the incident occurred when Rahman allegedly failed to comply with repeated orders to move her vehicle away from an active enforcement scene. Officials said she was detained after refusing instructions and engaging in conduct that interfered with federal agents performing their duties. The earlier incident generated significant public attention and debate over immigration enforcement practices and the conduct of federal agents. Rahman’s arrest during the State of the Union adds another dimension to the ongoing discussion surrounding protest rules, security protocols, and political expression within congressional settings.
