Rep. Ilhan Omar Coming To Bellevue For Ramadan Event

BELLEVUE, WA — The Somali-American population in the Seattle area is one of the largest in the U.S. at an estimated 23,400 people. On Saturday, perhaps the most famous Somali-American is coming to Puget Sound.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar — the first Somali-American and one of the two first (along with Detroit Rep. Rashida Tlaib) Muslim women ever in Congress — will speak at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Washington annual Ramadan dinner in Bellevue.

Omar is a revolutionary figure for young, politically-active Muslims, said Amina Ibrahim, a first generation Somali-American and program outreach coordinator for CAIR-WA. Omar's election to Congress totally changed the perception of what a Muslim woman can do in U.S. politics, she said.

"A lot of people are really excited to see someone who looks like them and represents them in a position of power in Congress," Ibrahim, 21, said.

Omar will be joined by another groundbreaking politician: Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, the first Muslim woman to serve in Pennsylvania's state House.

CAIR-WA is bringing Omar to Washington because she's a role model for Muslim women, but also because of her broader popularity, said CAIR-WA spokeswoman Sarah Stuteville. Omar is one of the most progressive members of the House, advocating for Medicare for all, a $15 minimum federal minimum wage, and free college tuition.

"We're getting a huge response from folks from all backgrounds who see [Omar] as a role model and leader, and someone who's really courageous speaking out for what she believes in," Stuteville said.

Omar has also drawn criticism from conservatives and some Democrats over comments she made about AIPAC, the Israel lobby. But it was a comment she made mentioning the Sept. 11 attacks that drew death threats. Patrick W. Carlineo, 55, of Addison, N.Y., was arrested in early April for threatening to "put a bullet in her [expletive] skull." President Donald Trump also tweeted about Omar, interspersing a small part of her speech with images of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Right-wing groups are planning to protest Omar's appearance. A Facebook group started on April 21 called "Patriots of Washington" is organizing the protest rally, but it's unclear how many people are going to attend.

"Make sure to bring flags and signs to expose the truth about Ilhan Omar," the event page encourages attendees.

Stuteville said CAIR-WA is aware of the protest, and is working with the Meydenbauer Center on security. She said the protesters have been in touch with Bellevue police about security.

The event is open to the public, and although tickets were not sold out on Monday, Stuteville said they likely will be soon. University of Washington Clinic Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Anisa Ibrahim and CAIR-WA Executive Director Masih Fouladi will also speak.

"I think this will be a great opportunity for Muslim-Americans to feel very empowered," CAIR-WA's Ibrahim said.