Isra Hirsi, the daughter of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), was arrested during anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University on Thursday, according to law enforcement sources.
She was reportedly placed in flex cuffs by the New York Police Department and is expected to face trespassing charges along with over 100 others who were issued summonses for trespassing.
The daughter of U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has been arrested for her role in the illegal Colombia University protests.
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Somali-born Ilhan Omar, has been photographed in handcuffs after ignoring a police dispersal order.
She was also just… pic.twitter.com/aA8e16aQ2Q
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 18, 2024
Hirsi was later released from NYPD headquarters after spending hours in custody. The protests, which began Wednesday morning and escalated into fiery demonstrations overnight, saw activists setting up encampments on the university’s main lawn in protest of Israel’s actions against Hamas, Fox News Digital report.
Hirsi, who revealed her suspension from Barnard College earlier in the day, expressed solidarity with Palestinians facing what she termed a “genocide.” She asserted her commitment to Gaza Solidarity Encampment’s demands, including divestment from companies complicit in what they see as genocide and transparency of Columbia University’s investments.
The protests drew attention during a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, where Rep. Omar raised concerns about anti-Israel activism at Columbia University. She also referenced an incident involving the release of a non-toxic flatulence spray during the protest, which she characterized as an “attack” with a “toxic chemical substance.” However, court documents revealed it was merely a harmless product called “Liquid A–” and “Wet Farts.”
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) suggested that Hirsi’s suspension from Barnard College might be a form of retaliation for her mother’s questioning of Columbia’s commitment to academic freedom. Bowman emphasized the need to keep educational institutions free from political reprisals.
Update: Barnard College sent a statement announcing the suspension of students who are at the unauthorized encampment at Columbia University.
One of the suspended students is Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi. pic.twitter.com/spuDShyoci
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyDillon) April 18, 2024
Fox News Digital reached out to Rep. Omar’s office for comment on the matter.
