Published February 26, 2025
On Feb. 25, 2026, during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, a guest invited by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D‑MN) was forcibly removed from the House gallery by Capitol Police, arrested, and subsequently taken to a hospital, according to statements from Omar and live footage circulating on social media.
Guest Removed for Standing, According to Omar
Omar said her guest, Aliya Rahman, stood up silently during Trump’s speech — including at moments when other audience members were also standing — and was told to sit back down but refused, leading to her removal. Omar claims Rahman was handled aggressively, warned officers about existing shoulder injuries, and was later treated at George Washington University Hospital before being booked at the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters.
In a statement shared on social media site X, Omar described the response as “heavy‑handed” and “a chilling message about the state of our democracy.” She said she is calling for a full explanation of why the arrest occurred.
My guest, Aliya Rahman, stood up silently in the gallery during the president’s speech for a short period of time, part of which other guests were also standing. For that, she was forcibly removed, despite warning officers about her injured shoulders and ultimately charged with…
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) February 25, 2026
“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.”
New: Rep @Ilhan Omar says her SOTU guest, Aliya Rahman, had to be treated at a DC hospital after being arrested during the address. Rahman stood silently and would not sit down when asked.
Here are some exclusive photos of the incident in the gallery above the House chamber: pic.twitter.com/5BhK2yZklh
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) February 26, 2026
Rahman, who spoke to Democracy Now! on Wednesday, claimed she was removed simply for “standing up silently — no buttons, no facial expressions, no gestures, no signs, not one sound.”
WATCH:
Rahman’s Claims on the Incident
Rahman, who has been vocal about her previous encounter with federal agents in Minnesota, told Democracy Now! that she stood silently without making sounds, waving signs, or displaying buttons — and that other guests were also standing at times during the address. She alleged that police continued to restrain her despite her disability until a Capitol Police sergeant intervened to secure medical attention.
Context of the Disruption
The incident occurred as Trump was delivering his address, including remarks heavily focused on immigration enforcement and border security — rhetoric that sharply conflicted with the perspectives of Omar and other Democratic lawmakers, who loudly protested portions of the speech before exiting the chamber.
While Gateway Pundit highlighted dramatic footage and Omar’s criticism, mainstream outlets confirm that Capitol Police said the arrest was tied to a refusal to obey orders to sit, and unlawful conduct charges may be filed in such disruptions.
Political Reactions
Omar’s vocal criticism of the police response has stirred debate across diverse news outlets and social media, with some commentators framing the incident as an overreach and others emphasizing rules around decorum during formal proceedings. The event has fueled broader discussions about protest, security protocols, and political tension within Congress.
Implications
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Reinforcing Rules and Order
The removal of Ilhan Omar’s guest highlights the necessity of strict adherence to rules during formal government proceedings. Rules exist not to restrict expression arbitrarily, but to ensure that events of national importance, like the State of the Union, can proceed without disruption. Allowing guests to selectively ignore instructions could set a precedent that encourages future violations, potentially turning official events into arenas for protest rather than structured discourse. Maintaining order is essential to uphold the dignity and authority of government institutions. -
Security and Safety Concerns
Disregarding the instructions of security personnel creates immediate safety risks. Capitol Police are responsible for protecting lawmakers, staff, and attendees, and must act decisively to prevent harm or escalation. Even when a protest is silent or seemingly peaceful, failure to comply with security directives can escalate quickly. This incident underscores that procedural enforcement is not optional, and that safety considerations must take precedence over individual gestures of dissent. -
Preserving Institutional Integrity
The incident illustrates the importance of equal accountability for all participants. Government proceedings rely on predictable, enforceable rules. If exceptions are made based on political affiliation, personal beliefs, or the prominence of an individual guest, it erodes public confidence in the fairness and stability of government operations. Upholding procedural integrity ensures that events are governed by law and protocol, not by personal or political preferences. -
Deterring Future Disruptions
High-profile events, especially those broadcast to millions, are inherently vulnerable to performance-driven protests. Consistent enforcement of rules communicates that such disruptions carry consequences. Without this, there is a risk that similar incidents could escalate in frequency and severity, making it difficult for lawmakers to conduct official business and for audiences to engage with the proceedings as intended. -
Upholding Public Trust
Government legitimacy depends on the perception that laws and procedures apply uniformly. When rules are enforced impartially, the public sees that institutions operate fairly and predictably. Conversely, allowing selective breaches can foster cynicism, distrust, and polarization. Ensuring order and accountability is critical not only for immediate safety but also for the long-term credibility of democratic institutions. -
Balancing Expression and Order
While the right to express dissent is recognized, it must be balanced with respect for procedural norms and security protocols. Individual expression that interferes with official proceedings risks undermining both safety and the orderly functioning of government. The incident demonstrates the need for clearly defined boundaries: personal freedoms do not extend to actions that disrupt formal events or compromise security.
Overall Takeaway:
The removal and arrest of Ilhan Omar’s guest during the State of the Union serves as a clear reminder that rules and procedures exist to protect both the integrity and safety of government proceedings. While individual expression and protest are fundamental rights, they must operate within the boundaries of established protocols to ensure that official events proceed without disruption.
Failure to enforce these standards consistently risks setting a precedent where formal proceedings are vulnerable to selective defiance, undermining both security and public trust. Upholding decorum, accountability, and procedural fairness is essential—not as a political statement, but as a cornerstone of effective governance. This incident underscores the critical need to maintain order, enforce rules uniformly, and preserve the authority and dignity of national institutions.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Ilhan Omar CRASHES OUT During Trump’s State of The Union Address | WATCH: Ilhan Omar’s SOTU Guest Was Arrested During Trump’s Speech and Claims She Had to Be Hospitalized Because of ‘Aggressive’ Handling
TIME – Ilhan Omar’s Guest at Trump’s State of the Union Arrested: What to Know
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