Ilhan Omar appears with controversial streamer despite Democratic opposition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 23:56 · Archive

Rep. Ilhan Omar shared the stage with far-left streamer Hasan Piker on Monday despite objections from fellow Minnesota Democrats.

Rep. Ilhan Omar appeared Monday with far-left streamer Hasan Piker at a sold-out Minneapolis event hosted by state Sen. Omar Fateh, despite mounting opposition from fellow Minnesota Democrats. The event took place eight days before the midterm elections.

Rep. Angie Craig called Piker's rhetoric 'polarizing and dangerous' and said embracing him is 'a mistake'. Sen. Amy Klobuchar's gubernatorial campaign described a number of his past statements as 'reckless and unacceptable'. Other Democratic officials and party groups called on Omar and Fateh to cancel the appearance. A University of Minnesota political science professor said the event would 'create a split within the DFL', arguing it could distract statewide Democrats and put candidates in a difficult position with moderate and Jewish voters.

Piker, who commands millions of followers across social media, has faced backlash over remarks involving the September 11 attacks, Hamas, Israel and Jewish people. He apologised for saying in 2019 that 'America deserved 9/11' and has rejected accusations of antisemitism. Omar's campaign defended her decision to participate by pointing to Piker's appeal among younger voters Democrats are trying to turn out ahead of Election Day.

How it is being reported

• Embattled Ilhan Omar jokes with Hasan Piker about Trump admin probe — as critics blast event with controversial lefty streamer“We just look really good on their screens," Rep. Ilhan Omar told the lefty streamer.New York Post · 26 Oct, 23:45
• Ilhan Omar joins 'polarizing and dangerous' streamer at campaign event despite Democratic backlashRep. Ilhan Omar is set to share the stage with Hasan Piker despite fellow Minnesota Democrats urging her to cancel the appearance before midterm elections.Fox News · 26 Oct, 15:24

In this story: Ilhan Omar · Hasan Piker · Angie Craig · Amy Klobuchar · Omar Fateh · Minnesota

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