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Rep. Ilhan Omar Calls Out Lauren Boebert’s Islamophobic Attacks

Omar called for House leaders to take “appropriate action” against the extremist Colorado congresswoman.

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) participates in a panel discussion.

Minnesota democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar is calling on House leaders to address a series of Islamophobic attacks from fellow congresswoman Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). The Trump-loving, insurrectionist-inciting gun enthusiast has repeatedly made derogatory remarks about Omar and fellow Muslim reps, referring to them as the “jihad squad” and mocking Omar in a viral video on Twitter.

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Omar responded, calling House leaders Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy to handle Boebert’s racist behavior. Omar tweeted, “Saying I am a suicide bomber is no laughing matter. @GOPLeader and @SpeakerPelosi need to take appropriate action, normalizing this bigotry not only endangers my life but the lives of all Muslims. Anti-Muslim bigotry has no place in Congress.”

Democratic leadership responded with a statement, saying “Congresswoman Boebert’s repeated, ongoing and targeted Islamophobic comments and actions against another Member of Congress, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, are both deeply offensive and concerning. This language and behavior are far beneath the standard of integrity, dignity and decency with which the Constitution and our constituents require that we act in the House. We call upon Congresswoman Boebert to fully retract these comments and refrain from making similar ones going forward.”

Boebert later tweeted an apology, not to Omar herself but to “anyone in the Muslim community” who she offended.

Omar added in a separate tweet that Boebert’s whole story is “made up” and that “Congress can’t be a place where hateful and dangerous Muslims tropes get no condemnation.”

Several prominent democrats tweeted their support for Omar, as did only one republican, Rep. Adam Kinzinger:

It’s unclear if Boebert will face a vote of censure like fellow republican offenders Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar. Still, her words are inflammatory and dangerous, and there should be consequences for her repeated Islamophobic attacks.

(image: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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