House Dems warn Omar in 'imminent danger' after Trump rally chants
House Democrats erupted in fury Thursday over President Donald Trump’s attacks on freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar at his reelection rally, fearful that crowd chants of “send her back” have personally endangered her and her family.
Senior Democrats are now calling for authorities to evaluate security for Omar (D-Minn.), as well as the three other lawmakers who Trump called out by name at his Wednesday night rally in North Carolina — warning that Trump has escalated the risk of threats or even acts of violence toward the four minority freshmen.
“It’s crystal clear to me that her life is in imminent danger,” said Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “He has threatened the safety of a member of Congress. That takes this to a whole different level.”
“It’s bad enough that the president didn’t stop the chant last night. But he started it. It’s instilling fear, it’s going to instill violence,” added Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), the House’s No. 4 Democrat.
Trump disavowed the "send her back" chant on Thursday, telling reporters, “I was not happy with it. I disagree with it.” The chant started as Trump was falsely claiming that Omar praised Al-Qaeda — an untruth he has repeated several times in recent days — and the president then paused his speech for several seconds as the audience continued.
Omar told reporters Thursday that she wasn't worried about her personal safety but feared for Americans of color who she thinks could become a target after Trump's comments.
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https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/18/ilhan-omar-trump-rally-violence-1419338