Omar announces father’s death from coronavirus complications

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on Monday announced that her father has died due to complications from COVID-19.

Omar said in a statement, “It is with tremendous sadness and pain” that she was sharing the death of her father, Nur Omar Mohamed.

“No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew him,” Omar said. “My family and I ask for your respect and privacy during this time.”

Omar did not provide any additional information. She shared a photo of herself and her father on Twitter. 

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Surely we belong to God and to him shall we return.

It is with tremendous sadness and pain to say goodbye to my father, Nur Omar Mohamed. No words can describe what he meant to me and all who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/gb7q0gMXG2

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) June 16, 2020

Several lawmakers shared support for Omar on social media.

“My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your father, @IlhanMN. The pain you’re feeling is familiar to me. My heart breaks for you, sister. I’m praying for you and your family,” Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (D) tweeted Tuesday.

My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your father, @IlhanMN. The pain you’re feeling is familiar to me. My heart breaks for you, sister. I’m praying for you and your family.

— Peggy Flanagan (@peggyflanagan) June 16, 2020

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) tweeted “Ilhan, I am so sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences. Sending love to you and your family.” 

Ilhan, I am so sorry for your loss. I send my deepest condolences. Sending love to you and your family.

— Deb Haaland (@Deb4CongressNM) June 16, 2020

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) shared “Ilhan, my sincerest condolences. Sending you much love and prayers for peace.”

Ilhan, my sincerest condolences.

Sending you much love and prayers for peace.

— Veronica Escobar (@vgescobar) June 16, 2020

Multiple other lawmakers’ loved ones have also died following complications due to the coronavirus.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) shared last month that her sister, Velma Moody, died from the virus and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-Mass.) brother died in April due to COVID-19.