Police Arrest of Guest at State of the Union Raises Questions

A woman from Minneapolis named Aliyah Rahman—invited by Representative Ilhan Omar to attend President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address—was taken into custody after she stood during a speech by former President Donald Trump.

Rahman, who was using a crutch and cited medical issues (a torn rotator cuff and cartilage damage in both shoulders), declined to sit when Capitol Police asked her to do so, arguing that the crowd’s applause justified her standing. The police escorted her out of the gallery, a move criticized by another guest as “too forceful.” She spent several hours in a hospital before being released to Capitol Police headquarters.

Police statement: Rahman was arrested for unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress, citing the prohibition on demonstrations in State of the Union tickets.

Representative Omar reacted angrily, demanding a full explanation for the arrest and warning that such treatment could chill democratic participation. She described Rahman as a disabled person with autism and a traumatic brain injury, emphasizing her medical conditions. Omar also highlighted Minneapolis as a focal point for immigration enforcement under former President Trump’s administration.

The incident raises concerns about handling medical and disability issues at high‑profile events, the limits of protest within official venues, and how a quiet act—standing up—can be interpreted as disruptive. It sparks debate over the balance between maintaining order and protecting freedom of expression.