Indian Americans flay GOP lawmaker’s anti Muslim tweet

They denounced Rep. Andy Ogles' remarks as un-American bigotry and as violating First Amendment principles.

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles / Courtesy: X/@RepOgles

Indian Americans have condemned Republican Rep. Andy Ogles after he declared on social media that “Muslims don't belong in American society” following the thwarted ISIS-inspired attack in New York.

Shri Thanedar, who represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, responded by underlining the deep historical roots of Muslims in America and the country's commitment to religious diversity.

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Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington's 7th Congressional District, labeled the rhetoric unacceptable and far worse than disgusting. She wrote, "Disgusting is not a strong enough word to describe how absolutely vile this is. This rhetoric is un-American and has no place in this country.”

Virginia delegate JJ Singh said, "This is garbage. Our Muslim brothers and sisters contribute tremendously to Loudoun, the Commonwealth, and the country."

Meanwhile, journalist Mehdi Hasan highlighted the reactions as a clear double standard in political consequences. He stated if a sitting member of Congress tweeted, ‘Jews don't belong in American society,’ it would end their career and be the biggest story in America. “But Ogles can say this about Muslims without any censure,” he stated.

The original post by Ogles triggered immediate pushback focused on constitutional religious protections, historical pluralism, and equal application of free-speech norms across religious groups.

Dear progressives and third-world neoliberals,

Do not lecture me on anything First Amendment when you are actively disobeying the Second to disarm us, the Fourteenth to protect anchor babies, and the Fourth by resurrecting warrantless surveillance through FISA and spying on…
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) March 11, 2026

Ogles later rejected all the criticisms in a follow-up tweet. He refused to accept lectures on the First Amendment, accusing the same people of "actively disobeying" other parts of the Constitution, and listed alleged Democratic breaches of the “Second Amendment to disarm us, the Fourteenth to protect anchor babies,” and also the “Fourth by resurrecting warrantless surveillance through FISA and spying on nearly every influential conservative through the DOJ.”

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Comments

JD

James DURAISWAMY

2026-03-12 00:00:00

At last, someone is speaking plainly. This is a country with deep Christian roots, yet people of all religions are allowed to practice their faith without disturbing others. When someone invokes the First Amendment, that protection applies to everyone. But it does not mean that anyone can impose a separate legal system or operate outside the laws of the United States. That is not how this country works.

The United States was shaped by Judeo‑Christian principles, and many of the Founders drew inspiration from those values when forming the Constitution. So everyone should calm down, follow the laws of the land, and practice their faith peacefully. The rest will take care of itself.