Iraq War veteran is running to unseat Ilhan Omar — here's what he says motivated him to run for Congress

A Minneapolis police officer and Iraq War veteran announced that he is running for Congress to take on Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's seat.

Chris Kelley said that he was motivated to run for Congress when he heard Omar's comments diminishing the death and destruction from the terror attack on 9/11.

"That statement was a slap in the face to first responders and everyone who died on that horrible day," Kelley said during a Fox News interview.

"I said to myself that I could either sit and complain about it or actually try and do something about it by running," he added.

Kelly is a 20-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department, and a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves.

"What I'm hoping to achieve is maybe bridging the gap between the parties and get some legislation done," he continued. "I want to be able to work with both sides."

The congressional career of Omar has been mired in controversy as critics pounce on her comments that appear to make use of anti-Semitic tropes when criticizing the nation of Israel and the political power that its supporters wield.

Omar is also one of the "squad" members that defied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the rest of the moderate establishment wing of the party on impeachment and other issues.

Kelley is running as an Independent for the congressional seat in 2020.

Here's the Fox News interview with Kelley:

Army hero, longtime cop challenges Rep. Omar for her seat in Congresswww.youtube.com