President Trump takes swipes at U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar in wake of attempts to censure her in Congress
President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and her native country of Somalia in the wake of a failed attempt by her colleagues to censure her in the House this week.
Four Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday to table that resolution, which would have also removed her from committees. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, brought it forward because of an interview Omar did in response to conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination last week and reposts she made on social media.
The four-term congresswoman, who represents Minneapolis and some close suburbs, said in a note to constituents that the measure mischaracterized her words and her views.
"I have never supported political violence, and I have always spoken out against it. Attempts to twist my words into something they are not are deeply harmful not just to me, but to our ability to have honest debates in Congress," she said in an email about a town hall event.
Mr. Trump on Thursday said she is "terrible" and should be impeached. He also slammed Somalia, which Omar fled as a child before coming to the U.S. as a refugee. She later became an American citizen and first ran for Congress in 2018.
"How are they doing? How's their government? Do they have a president? Do they have a council? Do they have anything? Do they have police? I love these people that come from a place with nothing. Nothing, no anything. And then they tell us how to run our country," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One. "I think if she got censured, that's great. If she got impeached, that's even better."
Omar's office declined to comment on Mr. Trump's remarks or his posts on social media.
In one post he said, "what scum we have in our country, telling us what to do and how to do it" after criticizing Somalia as a country plagued by poverty, civil war and corruption.
Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota, who himself emigrated to the U.S. from Somalia in the early 1990s, said many Somali Minnesotans supported President Trump this past election. The president won 12% of the vote in Minneapolis, a Democratic stronghold, but nearly double that figure in some heavily East African precincts, according to an analysis by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Hussein called Mr. Trump's remarks "a political statement," but said they've also caused alarm. "Anytime something like this happens, we as a community are on guard, partially because we have seen political violence that took the life of Charlie Kirk, that took the life of [Rep.]
Omar has faced threats in the past. Two years ago, a man in Florida was convicted and sentenced for sending an email threatening to kill her.
"Anything can happen, anytime. That's why it's important that those around President Trump should remind him that we are in a moment where we just lost a political figure like Charlie Kirk. We can't be in this moment of continuous contention that rises to a point where individuals may kill," Hussein said
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Warns of Broader Network in Charlie Kirk Assassination
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has confirmed that the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is being treated as an ideologically motivated attack, with investigators probing whether the alleged assassin acted alone or as part of a broader network.
Speaking on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” Bongino stated, “If this was a larger effort, if there was any aiding and abetting… we’re looking into that.”
He emphasized that the FBI is committed to leaving “no stone unturned” in its investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which the agency is approaching the case.
Bongino revealed that the suspect had been “taken over” by leftist ideology leading up to the shooting, indicating a potential radicalization process.
The Deputy Director noted that the suspect had become increasingly withdrawn and politically active before the attack, raising concerns about the influence of extremist ideologies.
Investigators are examining the suspect’s online activity and affiliations with left-wing groups to determine if there were any coordinated efforts behind the assassination.
Bongino confirmed that the FBI is reviewing video footage showing the gunman leaping from a rooftop after the fatal shot, which has been critical in advancing the investigation.
He highlighted that the forensic evidence gathered from the scene has provided significant leads, aiding in the identification and apprehension of the suspect.
The Deputy Director stated that the FBI is also looking into any financial transactions or communications that may indicate support or planning from external sources.
Bongino condemned the act as an attack on free speech and political discourse, emphasizing the importance of protecting conservative voices in the public sphere.
He called for unity among Americans in denouncing political violence, regardless of ideological affiliation, to preserve the integrity of democratic institutions.
The Deputy Director acknowledged the emotional impact of the assassination on the conservative community but urged restraint and due process in the ongoing investigation.
Bongino reiterated the FBI’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that all leads are being thoroughly investigated.
He expressed confidence that the agency would uncover the full scope of the plot and bring those responsible to justice.
The Deputy Director noted that the investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Bongino emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness among the public to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He urged individuals to report any suspicious activity or information that could aid in the investigation.
The Deputy Director highlighted the role of community cooperation in combating extremism and ensuring public safety.
Bongino acknowledged the challenges posed by online radicalization but reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to addressing these threats.
He called for a balanced approach that respects civil liberties while effectively countering extremist ideologies.
The Deputy Director commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies at all levels in responding to the assassination and supporting the investigation.
Bongino expressed gratitude for the assistance of federal, state, and local partners in gathering intelligence and resources.
He noted that the collaboration between agencies has been instrumental in advancing the investigation and ensuring a comprehensive response.
