A Somali refugee who lasted just 72 hours on the Lewiston, Maine City Council has abruptly resigned amid a growing scandal involving felony gun theft charges, residency fraud, and allegations he misappropriated $65,000 intended for mass shooting victims — but naturally, he's blaming his troubles on "racism."
Iman Osman, 36, was sworn into office earlier this week to represent Ward 5 after winning November's election. But his political career came crashing down faster than you can say "community organizer" when the full extent of his legal troubles became public.
The charges against Osman are serious: felony gun theft and providing false address information. But perhaps most disgraceful of all, he's accused of steering $65,000 meant for victims of Lewiston's tragic mass shooting into his own nonprofit organization. These are funds that should have gone to families still grieving and recovering from that horrific attack.
Social media users didn't hold back their outrage. Twitter user @judymorris3 posted: "Somali refugee resigns from Maine city council after his nonprofit took $65,000 meant for mass shooting victims...Iman Osman was arraigned on felony gun charges ahead of his resignation."
Another user, @tommy3861, cut straight to the chase: "Somali migrant Maine Councilman Iman Osman resigns after being implicated in a fraud investigation, blames 'racism.' He was just sworn in days ago. He also faces charges for theft of a firearm."
But instead of taking responsibility for his alleged crimes, Osman played the race card faster than a Vegas dealer. In his resignation statement, he claimed "the level of attacks, the vitriol, the racism, and the threats" forced his decision. Classic playbook — when caught with your hand in the cookie jar, cry discrimination.
This scandal raises serious questions about the vetting process for local candidates. How does someone facing felony charges get elected to public office? Why wasn't this background discovered before Election Day?
Patriots in Maine deserve better than corrupt officials who exploit tragedy for personal gain. The people of Lewiston, still healing from their community's darkest hour, deserved a representative who would fight FOR them, not profit OFF their suffering.