Democratic ally accuses Ilhan Omar of probable marriage fraud

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 31 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

A prominent Minnesota Democrat has said allegations that Representative Ilhan Omar married her brother are almost certainly true.

Joe Radinovich, a former Minnesota state representative and Democratic operative, has declared that allegations Representative Ilhan Omar married her brother are 'almost certainly true', breaking publicly with party efforts to dismiss the claims. Writing on social media, he stated that Omar's denials calling the allegations a right-wing, Islamophobic or racist conspiracy are 'almost certainly not' true, and warned that questions about her finances lack satisfactory public answers.

Federal investigators continue to examine Omar's immigration history and finances. Radinovich cautioned fellow Democrats against reflexively defending the congresswoman, suggesting the party should approach allegations about her finances carefully.

Omar has long faced claims that she married British citizen Elmi in 2009 to help him obtain a green card. Documents have shown she repeatedly altered her own name on marriage applications. Omar has consistently denied the allegations.

Radinovich's comments prompted confrontation with Briana Rose Lee, a Minneapolis Democratic activist who previously worked on Omar's campaign, who called the claims a 'baseless and manufactured witch hunt'. Radinovich responded that he has little confidence in the Trump administration's Justice Department and questioned the timing of a federal raid on Omar's Washington DC residence.

How it is being reported

• Ilhan Omar repeatedly altered her own name on marriage application, new documents reveal... as scrutiny over alleged sham marriage to 'brother' reaches boiling pointThe Minnesota Democrat has long faced allegations that she married British citizen Elmi in 2009 to help him obtain a green card - claims previously reported by the Daily Mail.Daily Mail · 31 Oct, 00:14
• Ilhan Omar’s own Democratic allies break ranks as ex-party insider says marriage fraud allegations are ‘almost certainly true’A prominent Minnesota Democrat is breaking ranks with his party over Rep. Ilhan Omar — declaring allegations that she married her brother are “almost certainly true” and warning that questions about her finances aren’t going away, either.New York Post · 30 Oct, 19:04
• Top Democrat Joe Radinovich splits with Ilhan Omar as she faces growing calls to release secret immigration files... and criminal probe overshadows reelection campaignA former Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker publicly rebuked Representative Ilhan Omar over claims she married her brother.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 15:21

In this story: Ilhan Omar · Joe Radinovich · Minnesota · Democratic Party

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