Rep. Ogles Posts Anti-Muslim Remarks, Eyes Immigration Ban

U.S. Representative Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, sparked widespread controversy on March 9, 2026, when he posted on the social media platform X that "Muslims don't belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie." The statement came amid heightened tensions following an attempted bombing outside the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim, where two men allegedly threw improvised explosive devices at anti-Islam protesters.

The incident occurred on March 7, 2026, during dueling demonstrations near Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official home. Authorities arrested Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, both identified as Muslim, and charged them with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the devices had the potential to cause serious injury or death, though no one was harmed. The FBI is investigating the attack as potentially inspired by the Islamic State group. Mayor Mamdani, who was not present at the time, described the anti-Islam protest as "vile and rooted in white supremacy" but affirmed support for the right to demonstrate.