The state representative-elect from Minneapolis said she’s waiting until returning home to file report.
By Paul Walsh
AARON LAVINSKY • [email protected]
Ilhan Omar addressed supporters at her election night victory party in November in Minneapolis.
Ilhan Omar, soon to become Minnesota and the nation’s first Somali-American lawmaker, said Wednesday she was the target of “the most hateful” form of Islamophobic and sexist taunts from a Washington, D.C., cabdriver while in his vehicle a day earlier.
The state representative-elect from Minneapolis, in the nation’s capital Tuesday for policy training at the White House, detailed the encounter on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
“On my way to our hotel, I got in a cab and became subjected to the most hateful, derogatory, islamophobic, sexist taunts and threats I have ever experienced,” she began. “The cabdriver called me ISIS and threatened to remove my hijab. I really wasn’t sure how this encounter would end as I attempted to rush out of his cab and retrieve my belongings.
“I am still shaken by this incident and can’t wrap my head around how bold being (sic) are becoming in displaying their hate toward Muslims. I pray for his humanity and for all those who harbor hate in their hearts.”
In response to an inquiry on her Facebook page, Omar said, “I plan to report once I am back home safe in Minneapolis. He knows the hotel I am staying at and [I] don’t feel safe enough to say anything at the moment.” The reply did not say whether any report she files would be with police, the cabdriver’s employer or possibly a civil rights organization.
A representative for Omar said Wednesday afternoon that she is declining to say anything further because “she wants to focus her time in D.C. attending the trainings, conferences and meetings she has scheduled over the next few days.”
The 34-year-old Omar, also director of policy at Women Organizing Women Network, a group dedicated to pushing East African women into civic leadership, faced only nominal Republican opposition last month in a heavily DFL Minneapolis district to win the seat.
In the three-way DFL primary, Omar defeated longtime incumbent Phyllis Kahn.
Source: StarTribune
