Minnesota Democrats are facing growing backlash over an upcoming Minneapolis event featuring Rep. Ilhan Omar, state Sen. Omar Fateh and controversial left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, whose inflammatory statements about Jews and Israel — and his declaration that “America deserved 9/11” — have drawn condemnation from Jewish organizations and some members of the Democratic Party itself.
Now, one of Minnesota’s leading Jewish organizations is calling out not only the lawmakers participating in the event, but also fellow Democrats who have remained silent.
In a statement released Monday, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) said it was “appalled” by Omar and Fateh’s decision to share a stage with Piker at an Oct. 26 event in Minneapolis.
The organization called the decision a betrayal of Jewish Minnesotans and demanded that DFL Party leaders publicly reject Piker’s rhetoric.
“The silence from too many other state DFL leaders is deafening,” the JCRC said. “Jewish Minnesotans hear that silence, and it further erodes their trust.”
A controversial guest with a history of inflammatory remarks
As Alpha News previously reported, Fateh announced that Omar and Piker would join him for an event associated with his new conversation series, “I’m the Host Now!”
Fateh described the two as “fearless champions for our people” and said reservations filled within five minutes.
I am honored to be able to share space alongside two fearless champions for our people who fight for us and the future that we want to build. I’m excited for you all to join us for this Election Edition discussion.
— Omar Fateh (@OmarFatehMN) October 15, 2026
But Piker’s history of inflammatory commentary is drawing attention from Jewish organizations and some Democrats who question why elected officials would choose to elevate him.
The JCRC highlighted several of his past statements, including remarks suggesting that American Jews’ identification with Israel could lead someone to “take action” against them.
The organization also cited his use of the word “inbred” to describe Orthodox Jews, his comments dismissing accounts of sexual violence during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack as “rape fantasies,” and remarks it characterized as supportive of Hamas.
Piker also drew widespread criticism in 2019 after declaring that “America deserved 9/11.”
Craig and Klobuchar break with fellow Democrats
While Omar and Fateh are moving forward with their planned appearance, two prominent Democrats have publicly criticized Piker.
Rep. Angie Craig was among the first to speak out.
In a statement on X, Craig wrote: “As Democrats, we constantly criticize the far-right for their incendiary and discriminatory politics, but we need to hold ourselves to the same standard. Hasan Piker’s rhetoric is polarizing and dangerous, and embracing him as a party is a mistake. I am disappointed that Minnesota DFLers are hosting an event with him here.”
As Democrats, we constantly criticize the far-right for their incendiary and discriminatory politics, but we need to hold ourselves to the same standard. Hasan Piker’s rhetoric is polarizing and dangerous, and embracing him as a party is a mistake. I am disappointed that…
— Angie Craig (@AngieCraigMN) October 17, 2026
To which Piker replied on X: “Another democrat joins the chorus of right wing neo-nazis to attack their left flank. great. this constant desperation to appease the right is precisely why we’re in this mess to begin with.”
another democrat joins the chorus of right wing neo-nazis to attack their left flank. great. this constant desperation to appease the right is precisely why we're in this mess to begin with. https://t.co/1wd28SCbFW pic.twitter.com/m3rHqDuXwz
— hasanabi (@hasanthehun) October 17, 2026
Sen. Amy Klobuchar also weighed in, although her criticism came through a campaign spokesperson rather than a public statement.
“The senator believes that a number of the statements he has made are reckless and unacceptable,” a spokesperson for Klobuchar’s gubernatorial campaign told Jewish Insider.
However, other prominent Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz, Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, have yet to publicly address the growing backlash. Ellison once appeared on Piker’s stream and praised him for doing a “good job.”
A different standard of media scrutiny?
The controversy also raises questions about how Minnesota news organizations scrutinize political candidates who agree to share a stage with controversial figures — and whether that scrutiny changes depending on the letter next to their name.
In September 2022, during his campaign for Minnesota governor, Republican Dr. Scott Jensen faced intense media scrutiny over his scheduled appearance at the Global Health Freedom Summit alongside prominent anti-vaccine activists, including Del Bigtree. Jensen ultimately did not attend.
Fast-forward four years, and Omar and Fateh are scheduled to share a stage with Piker who said that “America deserved 9/11,” yet the controversy has received comparatively little attention from Minnesota’s legacy media.
The Minnesota Star Tribune did describe Piker as a “left-wing influencer” in its Oct. 15 headline.
Beyond the political controversy, the JCRC says the decision by Omar and Fateh reflects a deeper concern about Jewish Americans’ place within the political parties they support.
The organization cited polling showing that relatively few Jewish Americans believe either major political party adequately supports their community.
“Jewish Americans should never have to choose between political belonging and the expectation that their leaders will stand against antisemitism,” the JCRC said.
Alpha News reached out to Omar and Fateh but did not receive a response.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
