Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar is facing backlash after being photographed smiling during a visit to the scene of a tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The attack, which occurred Wednesday, left two children dead and 17 others injured. Omar, whose district includes the affected area, visited the site the following day and condemned the violence, calling it an “unspeakable horror.”

During her visit, Omar addressed the media, expressing sorrow for the victims and their families. She acknowledged that little is currently known about the shooter, identified as Westman, who was found dead at the scene. Omar emphasized the need to investigate the motive and explore solutions to prevent future tragedies.

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However, a photo showing Omar smiling while interacting with the crowd outside Assumption Church sparked criticism online. Many accused her of insensitivity, contrasting the image with her somber remarks made to the press. The photo quickly went viral, leading to renewed scrutiny of her public conduct.

In the wake of the shooting, Omar appeared on various news platforms, including CNN and MSNBC. On CNN, she urged Congress to overcome partisanship and work together to address gun violence. She called the crisis a “uniquely American issue,” pointing to the prevalence of firearms as a root cause.

Omar also released a written statement expressing heartbreak and outrage. She condemned the lack of federal action and called for stronger gun control. Emphasizing her role as both a mother and a local representative, she pledged to do everything possible to prevent future tragedies.

She also released the following statement after the tragic mass shooting.

Despite her calls for unity and policy change, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that the shooter’s motive remains unknown. This contradicts speculation online, where some claim there is already significant evidence suggesting ideological motivations behind the attack.