Somali Maine city councilor resigns days after taking office after felony charge, residency questions
Lewiston councilor Iman Osman steps down citing racist opposition and personal attacks after being accused of firearm theft and residency violations.
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A Somali man elected city councilor in Maine has resigned days after taking office following his indictment on a felony charge and an investigation over his residency in the district he served, according to local reports.
Iman Osman, who served as a city councilor in Lewiston, wrote in a resignation letter sent to Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and City Council President David Chittim that he did not come to the decision lightly, WMTW-TV reported.
"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 service."
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, according to the outlet.
SOMALI UN AMBASSADOR LINKED TO QUESTIONABLE CINCINNATI HEALTH SERVICE AGENCY, RFK JR. DEPUTY SAYS

Iman Osman resigned from his Ward 5 City Council seat in Lewiston, Maine, following felony theft charges and criticism over his residency in the district where he served. (Iman Osman/Facebook)
Osman pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Lewiston District Court on Tuesday, Maine Public reported.
Osman also faced scrutiny over his residence, which was listed in the indictment as an address that has been condemned since October 2024, according to the reports.

The Lewiston, Maine, city sign is seen with a heart on Oct. 27, 2023. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
On Monday, the Lewiston City Council voted 6-1 for Osman to be investigated over his residency. Osman was the sole vote against the investigation.
