Representative Ilhan Omar said early public judgments about a recent Minneapolis shooting are not acceptable and called for restraint until investigators release their findings.
She made the remarks during an appearance on the CBS program “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
Omar addressed public reaction to a Minneapolis incident in which a mother of three has been described by some commentators as a domestic terrorist. She said it is wrong to label the woman in that way before authorities complete a full investigation.
Omar said, “If they’re saying we shouldn’t believe our eyes, then let the investigation take place before you characterize this mother of three as a domestic terrorist.” Her statement focused on what she described as the need for a consistent standard in public discussion of violent incidents and law enforcement encounters.
Officials have released limited information. Law enforcement authorities have said an investigation is underway. They have not released full findings or a final report at this stage.
Omar serves as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes most of Minneapolis. Her comments came as city residents and observers outside the state discussed the role of public perception in shaping narratives following high-profile incidents.
Omar’s statement focused on the language used to describe the woman involved in the shooting. The term “domestic terrorist” carries legal, political, and social weight. Experts in law and security say the label can influence public opinion and policy debates. They also say early language choices may shape jury pools, official responses, and future legislation.
Journalists have requested more detailed records from law enforcement, including body camera footage, 911 call transcripts, and internal reports. Officials have cited the ongoing investigation as a reason for withholding some materials. Civil rights groups and community leaders have said the timing and content of any releases will affect trust in the investigative outcome.
Omar’s remarks on “Face the Nation” underline the ongoing friction between immediate public reaction and the slower pace of formal investigation. The balance between those two forces remains an active point of debate in Minneapolis and in national coverage of the case.
