A Texas imam who previously delivered a prayer before the U.S. House of Representatives is facing backlash after posting a message celebrating the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Omar Suleiman, president and co-founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research near Dallas, wrote on social media early Sunday morning, shortly after news of Graham's death broke, "In other news, Lindsey Graham is dead. May you live an eternity in ruins for the ruins you helped create in Gaza."

Rep. Beth Van Duyne, a Republican from Texas representing the suburban Dallas district where Suleiman resides, announced plans to introduce a resolution on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, formally condemning Suleiman's incendiary message. Van Duyne pointed to Suleiman's 2019 opening prayer before the House, which he delivered at the invitation of House Democrats.

Van Duyne, who served as mayor of Irving, Texas, before her 2020 election to Congress, has long warned about the spread of radical Islam and efforts to promote Sharia law in Texas. She is currently discussing with congressional leadership the possibility of bringing her resolution to the floor and hopes for bipartisan support.

The imam's invitation to perform the invocation has drawn criticism due to his history of controversial remarks. According to the Jerusalem Post, Suleiman has called for a third Intifada—a phrase widely interpreted as advocating violence against Israel and Jews—and labeled Zionists as "enemies of God."

Van Duyne condemned Suleiman's social media post, stating, "This type of action from a religious leader that claims to preach about love and not hate needs to be condemned." She added, "That was anything but love. That was depravity."

Sources