A Somali man elected to a city councilman in Maine has resigned days after taking office following his felony indictment and an investigation into his whereabouts in the district where he served, according to local reports.
Iman Osman, who served as a councilman in Lewiston, wrote in a resignation letter to Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and Council President David Chittim that he did not come to the decision lightly. WMTW-TV reports this.
“For the betterment of our community and in the best interest of our city, I believe it is time for me to step aside,” Osman wrote in the letter. “I hope my resignation serves as a call to action for those who remain – an opportunity to reflect on the values of respect, inclusivity and kindness that should guide our public services.”
Osman’s resignation comes after a grand jury indicted him on Dec. 1 on charges stemming from the alleged theft of two firearms between Nov. 15, 2023, and Oct. 11, 2024, the newspaper said.
SOMALIA UN AMBASSADOR ASSOCIATED WITH QUESTIONABLE CINCINNATI HEALTH SERVICE AGENCY, RFK JR. SAYS THE POINT
Osman pleaded not guilty Tuesday during his arraignment in Lewiston District Court. Maine Public reported.
Osman also came under scrutiny regarding his residence, which was reportedly listed in the indictment as an address that has been under condemnation since October 2024.
The town sign of Lewiston, Maine is seen with a heart on October 27, 2023. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
On Monday, the Lewiston City Council voted 6-1 to investigate Osman over his residency. Osman was the only voice against the investigation.
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Osman claimed in his letter that he faced “racist opposition” during his municipal campaign and was bombarded with “vicious personal attacks” during his time in office.
On November 1, 2023, a heart will be placed on the Lewiston sign at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston, Maine. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Osman’s attorney Kiernan Majerus-Collins told WMTW that he believes national rhetoric about the Somali community has led to an increase in opposition to Osman.
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“The Trump administration’s targeting of Somali and Somali Americans across the country absolutely played a role in fueling the kind of hatred and threats of violence that ultimately forced him to conclude that he could no longer hold public office at this time,” he said.
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