Politics & Government

UPDATED: Rep. Ellison Gives Blood, 'Stands' With Minnesotans in Honor of 9/11

It was a busy few days for Richfield's congressional representative as he took part in several events connected with 9/11.

Rep. Keith Ellison donated blood on Friday during a Sept. 11 memorial blood drive at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The blood drive "is one of 200 blood drives scheduled as part of the 'Muslims for Life' campaign, which aims to collect 10,000 bags of blood across the country," according to Judy Kurtz, writing for The Hill.

After giving blood, Ellison shared his thoughts on Twitter:

"Gave blood today on Cap Hill. Drive organized by Muslim group in honor of victims and heros of 9-11. Reflect, pray, and give thanks."

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One of Ellison's Twitter followers, @cowsandsheep, tweeted:

"Dang Rep Ellison now you gonna have them protesting the Blood Bank."

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Ellison responded:

"Yes, this is sadly a risk."

On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Ellison attended the "Minnesotans Standing Together" gathering at the State Capitol.

The event was organized by several religious organizations. "Emcees include the Reverend Canon Peg Chemberlin, Minnesota Council of Churches; Chaplain (LTC) John Morris, Minnesota National Guard; and Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel," according to the Website for the event.

Ellison again shared his views on Twitter:

"Minnesotans Standing Together was joyous & thought-provoking. Over 50 faith leaders brought prayers, thanksgiving to 100s gathered."

Ellison also appeared on CNN Sunday to discuss his feelings on the 10th anniversary:

“What’s going through my mind today, as it was 10 years ago, is a overwhelming feeling of solidarity with my fellow Americans, overwhelming sorrow for the people who we lost, and a great deal of pride for the people who ran into that burning building and tried to save fellow Americans. The people who tried to rescue fellow Americans were Muslim; they were Christian; they were Jewish, they were Bah’ai; they were people of no faith; they were people of all faiths. And they didn’t care who was in that building. If they could save them they did.

“And so that’s what I’m feeling today. Yes of course we could talk about civil rights, profiling, and these things are important to discuss, but today I’m just remembering a lot of affection for Americans lost and Americans who stood up and met the moment with heroism.”


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