Mpls' Ilhan Omar Says D.C. Cab Driver Called Her 'ISIS,' Threatened To Remove Her Hijab
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hurtful words can be found all over social media, but incoming State Representative Ilhan Omar -- the first Somali-American legislator in the country -- said she heard them in person.
In a Facebook post detailing her trip to Washington D.C. in which she visited the White House, Omar said she was a victim of hate speech:
"I spent yesterday afternoon at the White House, learning about policy ideas states could implement in the areas I am passionate about. 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. The cab driver called me ISIS and threatened to remove my hijab, I wasn't really sure how this encounter would end as I attempted to rush out of his cab and retrieve my belongs. I am still shaken by this incident and can't wrap my head around how bold being are becoming in displaying their hate towards Muslims. I pray for his humanity and for all those who harbor hate in their hearts."
"I was disgusted by that," Abdirizak Bihi said of Omar's story.
Bihi is a Somali-American social activist in the Twin Cities. His feelings were shared by the dozens of people who commented on Omar's post, but he said he wasn't surprised to hear Omar's claims.
"Those bad people, the only weapon they have to hurt us all is to create that sense of fear," he said.
He feels stopping hate starts by engaging in conversations, and if possible having them directly with the people dispensing hate speech.
According to Omar's post, which has been shared hundreds of times, her first reaction was to pray for the driver and others who shared his views.
"I think we should not indirectly help the bad people. We should talk to each other and lose that insecurity," said Bihi.
We reached out to Omar's representatives today hoping to talk with her about what happened but we were not able to reach her.
People on the Facebook post were asking her if she took down the license plate number or the cab number to file a complaint. Omar replied that she did but won't file a report until she returns to Minnesota because she's worried for her safety.
