A shocking incident unfolded during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address when Aliyah Rahman, a Minneapolis resident invited by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, ended up needing hospital care after her arrest. Rahman, who uses a crutch due to prior injuries, stood silently in protest as Trump spoke about reinstating Department of Homeland Security funding. What began as a quiet act of dissent quickly escalated into a forceful removal by Capitol Police, sparking outrage over the handling of a visibly disabled guest.​
The Moment of Protest
Rahman rose from her seat in the congressional gallery without uttering a word or making any disruptive gestures. She later explained that standing is a common occurrence during such speeches, with many attendees doing the same amid applause. As officers approached and demanded she sit, she referenced the ongoing ovation, hoping to de-escalate. Despite her visible crutch and pleas about her shoulder injuries—including a torn rotator cuff and cartilage damage—police grabbed her arms and pulled her toward the exit. Another guest nearby pleaded with them to be gentle, highlighting the tension in the chamber.
Escalation and Injuries
The physical struggle worsened Rahman’s pre-existing conditions. She described officers yanking her shoulders despite her warnings, leading to severe pain that required immediate medical intervention. Held briefly by Capitol Police, she was taken to George Washington University Hospital, where she stayed until nearly 4 a.m. before processing at police headquarters. This wasn’t her first brush with aggressive enforcement; just a month earlier, federal agents in Minneapolis had yanked her from her car during an immigration protest while she rushed to a doctor’s appointment, contributing to her ongoing mobility issues.
Capitol Police Justification
Officials defended the arrest, charging Rahman with unlawful conduct and disrupting Congress. They emphasized that State of the Union tickets explicitly ban demonstrations, and she refused lawful orders to sit. “Disruption of Congress and demonstrations within Congressional Buildings are illegal,” the department stated, underscoring strict protocols for such high-profile events. Critics, however, point to the disproportionate force used against someone who remained silent and posed no audible threat.​
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | February 2026 State of the Union​ |
| Guest Profile | Aliyah Rahman, disabled (autism, TBI, shoulder injuries), Minneapolis resident​ |
| Action Taken | Stood silently during DHS funding mention​ |
| Police Response | Arrested for disruption; physical removal despite pleas​ |
| Medical Outcome | Hospitalized for shoulder aggravation until 4 a.m.​ |
| Congressional Reaction | Ilhan Omar demands full investigation​ |
Ilhan Omar’s Fierce Response
Congresswoman Omar, who personally invited Rahman to spotlight immigration enforcement concerns in Minneapolis, condemned the episode as excessive. “Capitol Police aggressively handled my guest, forcing her to seek medical care,” she said, calling it a “chilling message” about democracy’s fragility. Omar’s office noted Rahman’s vulnerabilities, including autism and a traumatic brain injury, and demanded a thorough explanation for the arrest. This ties into broader tensions, as Minneapolis has seen intense federal operations like Operation Metro Surge, linked to recent shootings.
Wider Context in Minneapolis
Rahman’s story reflects escalating clashes in her hometown amid Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown. The city has become a flashpoint, with Democrats blocking DHS funding bills and triggering partial shutdowns. Federal agents’ tactics have drawn fire, especially after incidents killing local residents. Rahman’s prior encounter with ICE agents underscores a pattern of rough handling during protests, fueling calls for policy shifts.
Debate Over Protest Rights
The arrest raises tough questions about free expression limits in Congress. Supporters of police argue zero-tolerance rules maintain order during national addresses. Opponents see selective enforcement, noting standing ovations went unchecked. Rahman’s case, amplified by Omar, spotlights how disability and dissent intersect with security measures, potentially influencing future guest policies and oversight.​
Ongoing Fallout
As investigations loom, Rahman recovers while Omar pushes for accountability. The incident has galvanized activists protesting harsh immigration tactics. It serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes in polarized political gatherings, where personal conviction can collide with institutional power.​
FAQs
What prompted Rahman’s arrest?
She stood silently during Trump’s speech, defying orders to sit amid a no-demonstration rule.​
Why did she need medical care?
Officers pulled her injured shoulders despite warnings, worsening her rotator cuff and cartilage issues.​
What’s Omar demanding?
A full probe into the aggressive handling of her disabled guest.​
