Ilhan Omar Says DC Cab Driver Called Her 'ISIS'

Ilhan Omar, who will become the nation's first Somali-American lawmaker when she begins her term in the Minnesota Legislature next year, said Wednesday she was subjected to "hateful" Islamophobic and sexist taunts from a cabdriver in Washington D.C. Omar, who will represent Minneapolis as a state representative, said on Facebook she was on her way back from the White House when the incident occurred.

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.

When asked about filing a complaint, Omar said "I plan to report once I am back home safe in Minneapolis, he knows the hotel I am staying at and don't feel safe enough to say anything at the moment."

The Pioneer Press reported that Omar will represent a district in Minneapolis that’s home to the largest Somali population outside of the east African country.

The Star Tribune reported that originally born in Somalia, Omar and her family escaped civil war and lived in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to Minneapolis. Omar has lived in the Somali-American neighborhood of Cedar-Riverside for nearly 20 years.

Image via Lorie Shaull, Flickr, used under Creative Commons