In an unexpected move, Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized a Canadian news outlet for an “unconscionable” report that exacerbated the doxing of a business owner who donated a small amount of money to the Freedom Convoy truckers in Ottawa.
Tammy Giuliani, owner of Stella Luna Gelato Cafe, was found to have donated $250 to the truckers protesting COVID mandates after a list of GiveSendGo donors was hacked and released.
Ottawa Citizen reporter Blair Crawford then wrote an article on the leak and the threats Giuliani and her business received. It was met with widespread criticism and anger among the right-wing, especially on Twitter, where Ottawa Citizen editor Alison Mah linked to the article — which included a picture of Giuliani — with the following caption:
“The owner of Stella Luna says she regrets making her $250 donation to the truck convoy, saying she thought it was a ‘peaceful, grassroots movement.'”
“She made the donation Feb. 5, when police were calling the protest ‘volatile and dangerous.'”
But one prominent leftist, Omar, also took issue with the article, quote-tweeting Mah on Wednesday and saying: “I fail to see why any journalist felt the need to report on a shop owner making such an insignificant donation rather than to get them harassed. It’s unconscionable and journalists need to do better.”
Later that evening, Omar doubled down on her original remarks:
“I wish journalists wrote the articles they think they are writing. Sorry to say it, but your stories aren’t always balanced and often have a clear political bias. Calling it out isn’t harassment or journalist bashing. Everyone has a right to critique your story and it’s [sic] merits.”
“Ps. I fully read the article multiple times and I still don’t believe there was merit to the story as reported other than further harassment. You all are entitled to your opinions, but my opinion remains the same. These kinds of stories ruin people’s lives and are uncalled for,” she added.
I fail to see why any journalist felt the need to report on a shop owner making such a insignificant donation rather than to get them harassed. It’s unconscionable and journalists need to do better. https://t.co/oF7WIoS1jp
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 16, 2022
Ps. I fully read the article multiple times and I still don’t believe there was merit to the story as reported other than further harassment. You all are entitled to your opinions, but my opinion remains the same. These kinds of stories ruin people’s lives and are uncalled for.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 17, 2022
In response to the backlash, Mah has placed her Twitter account in private mode for the time being.
It’s a stunning rebuke from Omar, one of the most left-wing politicians in North America. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the mainstream media have been painting the Freedom Convoy protesters as “racists” and “Nazis” and “insurrectionists,” but the characterization is falling on deaf ears.
The protests have arguably led many provinces to repeal most COVID restrictions and caused a significant drop in Trudeau’s political credibility. He is facing strong Conservative and increasing Liberal opposition after deciding to pick a fight with the protesters.
Evan Stambaugh
Evan Stambaugh is a freelance writer who had previously been a sports blogger. He has a BA in theology and an MA in philosophy.
