Ilhan Omar Arrested – Refused to Leave and Fought Police

Ten minutes later, officers found Omar seated in another area of the lobby, still defiant. The officer warned her she would be arrested for trespassing if she did not leave. When she continued to refuse, the officer arrested her. Omar pulled away again as the officer reached for her arm to stand her up for handcuffing. She was handcuffed while seated and booked at Hennepin County Jail.

The arresting officer wrote that Omar was booked into jail “to prevent further criminal conduct,” noting it was likely she would ignore a citation and that she had demonstrated she would continue her criminal behavior.

The incident occurred on January 18, 2013, after an event at the Minneapolis Convention Center featuring former Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Large crowds followed the presidential convoy to the Hotel Ivy. Hotel staff asked police to clear the lobby, stating anyone without a room key was not welcome and must leave immediately.