Ilhan Omar faces backlash after a video of her declining to comment on the DC shooting of Israeli diplomats goes viral. She later issued a statement.
A video showing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar declining to comment on the deaths of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., has ignited controversy.
The video, which quickly spread online, shows Omar stating, "I'm going to go for now," when asked about the murders. Following criticism of her perceived insensitivity, Omar released a statement expressing her dismay at the shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum.
She conveyed her condolences to the victims' families, emphasizing that violence has no place in the country.
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were targeted as they left the museum. Elias Rodriguez, from Chicago, has confessed to the crime, reportedly chanting "free, free Palestine" upon his arrest.
This act of antisemitism has reverberated throughout Washington, prompting increased scrutiny of pro-Palestine voices online. Omar, a known advocate for Palestinian rights, has faced backlash, with some calling for her resignation.
The White House, under President Trump, condemned the murders and pledged to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for its stance against antisemitism.