(WXYZ) — Detroit Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is blasting those behind recent racial attacks aimed at her.
Since taking office, Tlaib says she's received numerous threats because of her Muslim American background. Now she's firing back against those attacks, and a public official who called her a "danger" who might "blow up" the U.S. Capitol.
“I don’t think people realize how divisive it can be and how it can actually lead to violence,” Tlaib said.
A force for equality, Tlaib says she's spending her time focusing on the needs of her district and ending the governement shutdown. She's also not going to back down after a Florida city commissioner called her a "Hamas-loving anti-semite" who could become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill.
The ugly and vicious recent comments drew a reaction from Tlaib.
“This is a president, and many people who support him, have Un-American values and don’t understand Muslims and an Arab-American woman of color belongs in government like anybody else,” she said.
Tlaib says she's faced many attacks over the years, and won't apologize for who she is even after recently calling for the president to be impeached during an event following her swearing-in ceremony.
“I’m very outspoken," Tlaib said. "Not shy about positions my residents believe in as well.”
Tlaib is also crediting her community for having her back and giving her strength to face harsh critics.
“I am a person that a lot of them have my number," she said. "They check on me. Having that humanity and not being disconnected from people back home will keep me stronger.”
There have been numerous calls for Anabelle Lima-Taub, the Florida city commissioner, to steop down. Tlaib says she's only focused on doing the best job she can at the Capitol.
