Rep. Munira Statement on Attendance and Injuries Received at the Ohio State University Demonstrations

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) today released the following statement concerning her attendance at Thursday night’s peaceful demonstration and the injuries she sustained:

“As a concerned citizen, a proud Muslim-American and an elected state representative, I thought it was important to stand with those Thursday peacefully demonstrating on the Ohio State campus against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble are the basic fundamental freedoms guaranteed to us in the 1st amendment.

What I witnessed and how myself and other demonstrators were treated was horrific and remains to be both physically and mentally painful. What was a calm and respectful protest was quickly escalated by police officers dressed in riot gear. They surrounded us at a moment when we were supporting students who were conducting prayer. I was grabbed by my headscarf. I was pushed toward the ground on to students. Ultimately, I sustained painful bruising around my ribs and midsection. 

I believe there was absolutely no reason for the police to respond the way they did. We posed no threat to them or anyone else. We were simply making our voices peacefully heard for the millions of Palestinians who have no voice of their own right now. I was not one of the more than three dozen demonstrators arrested, but I stand with them and all my fellow protesters calling for an end to the war. Let us all please pray for peace in Gaza and peace at home.”