Photo: Heather Diehl / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Rep. Andy Ogles is facing criticism after posting a message on social media declaring that Muslims “don’t belong in American society.”
“Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie,” the Tennessee Republican wrote on X Monday (March 8), after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned an anti-Islam protest held outside his home over the weekend by pardoned January 6 insurrectionist Jake Lang.
The protest turned violent, and police later detained two men as investigators looked into reports that explosive materials may have been brought to the scene. Officials were also examining whether the suspects were influenced by extremist groups.
Mamdani, who is Muslim, condemned the protest and the violence that followed. “White supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism,” Mamdani wrote on X. "Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are."
He went on to say that "violence at a protest is never acceptable," and called it “reprehensible” that someone brought an explosive device to the demonstration.
Shortly after criticizing Mamdani’s response, Ogles escalated his rhetoric online. “The @DOJ can deport him today. All they need to do is read his file,” Ogles wrote in another post, referring to the mayor.
Mamdani was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Ogles’ comments have drawn renewed attention to anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics. Several Republican lawmakers have faced backlash in recent years for similar remarks targeting Muslim Americans. For example, Randy Fine wrote on social media last month: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
Meanwhile, Lauren Boebert has repeatedly faced criticism for comments about Ilhan Omar, including comparing the Muslim lawmaker to a terrorist and referring to her as part of a “jihad squad.”
Tommy Tuberville also drew backlash in 2025 after calling for a ban on Muslim immigrants entering the United States.
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