Aliya Rahman Arrest Highlights Silencing of Dissent
During President Trump’s State of the Union address, Aliya Rahman, a disabled software engineer and guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar, was arrested and forcibly removed from the House chamber. Rahman had silently stood up to clap at one point and later stood again in silent protest, actions which Capitol Police deemed a “demonstration” and a refusal to obey lawful orders. Despite her disabilities and the intervention of others, she was handcuffed, had her cane confiscated, and was later charged with unlawful conduct. This incident is considered by many to be an unprecedented and heavy-handed response to peaceful dissent.
John Q. Hosedrinker