Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., appeared alongside far-left streamer Hasan Piker at a Minneapolis event on Oct. 26, drawing condemnation from Jewish community leaders and members of her own party just days before the Nov. 3 election.
The event, titled “I’m the Host Now!”, was hosted by state Sen. Omar Fateh, a member of the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America. During the program, Piker called Republicans “terrorists,” and Omar referred to the GOP as the “pedophile protection party.”
Piker has previously said “America deserved 9/11,” called Hamas “a thousand times better” than Israel, and said he would vote for Hamas “every single time.” He has also called Orthodox Jews “inbred” and said this summer that if American Jews continue supporting Israel, someone “is going to come around and take action.”
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas called Omar’s decision to appear with Piker “a betrayal of Jewish Minnesotans.” Omar’s Fifth Congressional District includes St. Louis Park, long considered the center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Her own party’s Jewish caucus said Piker’s rhetoric has no place in Minnesota politics. Sen. Amy Klobuchar called his statements “reckless and unacceptable.” Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Betty McCollum, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and state Sen. Ron Latz also criticized the appearance, and Democratic leaders reportedly urged Omar privately to cancel.
Omar’s campaign responded by saying the Democratic Party is a “big tent,” and she went ahead with the appearance.
Opponent’s Response
John Nagel, Omar’s Republican opponent in the race and a retired 30-year veteran of the Minnesota State Patrol, wrote an opinion column for Fox News arguing that Omar’s decision to appear with Piker, despite warnings from her own party, reveals her judgment and priorities. Nagel wrote that he does not believe people who disagree with him politically are terrorists and argued voters should weigh “public safety over political theater” when they go to the polls.
Omar has previously apologized for comments that drew accusations of invoking antisemitic tropes.
The Fifth District will decide the race on Nov. 3.
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