A clip from a 2018 interview with U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar is making waves online once again, igniting fresh conversations about domestic extremism, public safety, and the power of political speech.

“We Should Be More Fearful of White Men…”

The interview, originally aired by Al-Jazeera, features Omar discussing the threat of radicalization within the U.S. When asked about national security and domestic terrorism, she gave a blunt assessment:

“I would say our country should be more fearful of White men across our country, because they are actually causing most of the deaths within this country,” Omar said.

She went on to add that, if fear were the primary factor in shaping policy, the U.S. should be profiling and monitoring white men—a statement that instantly divided opinion when the clip first aired, and again now that it has resurfaced.

Why Is This Going Viral Again?

Fast-forward nearly eight years, and the quote is back in the spotlight. The clip has been widely circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, where reactions have ranged from fierce criticism to vocal support.

Critics argue that Omar’s words are divisive and inflammatory, while supporters say her comments are backed by factual data on domestic extremism.

Omar addressed the renewed attention in a recent post:

“In this nearly 8-year-old clip, I am referring to the rise of white nationalism in an annual report issued by the Anti-Defamation League that said white supremacists were responsible for 78 percent of extremist-related murders.”

Context Behind the Controversy

At the time, Omar was referencing an Anti-Defamation League report highlighting the disproportionate role of white supremacist groups in extremist violence. The data showed that a majority of extremist-related deaths in the U.S. were tied to individuals aligned with far-right ideologies.

Supporters argue that public officials have a duty to call out such threats clearly—even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Another Viral Clip: Know Your Rights

Adding to the recent attention, another video of Omar has emerged—this time, showing her speaking to a Somali-American audience about their legal rights during immigration encounters.

The footage has reignited discussions about the role public figures play in educating immigrant communities. Some conservative commentators have questioned whether her remarks in that setting crossed any legal or ethical lines, though no official investigations or charges have been filed.

A Bigger Conversation on Race, Security, and Representation

The resurfaced clips touch on deep and ongoing national conversations:

• How do we define domestic terrorism?

• Who gets profiled—and why?

• What are the limits of political rhetoric in a polarized climate?

Ilhan Omar’s comments, now years old, continue to challenge how America views race, extremism, and who gets to shape the narrative.

Whether seen as bold truth-telling or reckless provocation, one thing is clear: the debate isn’t going away any time soon.