Republican congressional candidate Valentina Gomez from Texas sparked widespread anger in the United States and the Islamic world after she appeared on a live broadcast burning a copy of the Quran and making statements described as "hostile" against Islam and Muslims, calling for "an end to Islam once and for all."
Congressional candidate
The incident, which spread like wildfire across social media, was described as a blatant violation of the values of coexistence and religious freedom, prompting angry reactions from religious and human rights groups, as well as condemnations from American political figures and Muslim figures around the world.
extremist statements and positions
Gomez, known for her far-right rhetoric, previously sparked controversy when she stormed into a Muslim gathering in Texas in April 2025, shouting at the crowd, "I will not allow Sharia law here... Go back to your 57 Muslim countries." Her remarks were viewed by some as explicit incitement to religious and racial hatred against minorities.
controversial past
Social media users highlighted Gomez's past as a swimmer at Tulane University in the Diversity Inclusion (DEI) program, pointing to her poor performance on the team and asserting that she was "only accepted because she is Hispanic." After failing to build a sports career, Gomez decided to enter the political arena.
Despite being from New Jersey and having studied in Louisiana, she decided to run for Secretary of State in Missouri, a move some considered unrealistic for a new candidate with no political experience. In the Republican primary, Gomez placed sixth, failing to qualify for the general election.
Reactions and condemnations
Many Islamic and human rights organizations condemned her actions, describing them as "extremist" and "dangerous," warning of the rise of hate speech in American politics. Some called for an official investigation into the incident, considering it an incitement to religious hatred, which could expose her to legal action in some states.
However, the Republican Party has yet to issue any official comments regarding Gomez's actions, raising questions about the party's position on such statements and practices.
Comments of X-site users
One of the users of the X site said: “Oh God, I bear witness to you, your angels, your creation, and everyone who reads my letters that you are the one and only God, the Eternal, the Dominant over his servants, and we are your weak servants, our desires and our doubts have distracted us, so we have fallen short in your presence. Glory be to you, I disavow before you what the oppressors do, and you are capable, glory be to you over all things, oh powerful one.”
Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Shahri said: “The psychopath Valentina Gomez was born on May 8, 1999 in Medellin, Colombia, and immigrated with her family to the United States in 2009, settling in Jersey City, New Jersey... meaning she is considered an immigrant and fighting immigrants.”
Another added: “A Republican candidate of Colombian origin, she sparked widespread controversy with videos against #immigrants and #Muslims and her burning of the #Holy_Quran, and she lost the 2024 #Missouri elections with 7.4% of the votes, and is now heading to run for Congress in #Texas, with her racism and attempt to stir up controversy to attract attention and gain supporters. Greetings to #Human_Rights.”
One of the pioneers of the X site said: “More dangerous than the racism of the American extremist is the complex of the immigrant extremist like Valentina. They have a sense of inferiority and hide it by prostrating to America to a degree that exceeds the loyalty of any American and they die with slogans that they understand nothing about.”
