Justice Department Drops Charge Against Omar’s Former Bodyguard

The Justice Department dropped a false-statement charge against Abdullahi Mohamed in September, while his lawyer says prosecutors questioned him about Rep. Ilhan Omar during the case. The department said the matter was unrelated to any current investigation; Omar has not been charged with a crime.

Mohamed, who briefly served on Omar’s security detail during an overseas trip, faced a federal charge over answers he gave during an immigration interview. Prosecutors alleged that he falsely denied working for the Somali government and interacting with U.S. officials or politicians. His lawyer, Bruce Rivers, said Mohamed had limited English proficiency and did not understand the questions.

Rivers said prosecutors questioned Mohamed about Omar’s immigration history, marriages and a $10,000 payment involving Omar and Mohamed’s brother. Investigators described the payment as a possible bribe, according to Rivers, but records reviewed in the reporting did not explain its purpose or the government’s theory. Omar has denied wrongdoing.

Rivers also said officials offered to help prevent Mohamed’s deportation if he provided damaging information about Omar. Two people familiar with Mohamed’s...