Ellison Report: Giving Blood, 'Standing Together'

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, Fridley's representative in Congress, 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."

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

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

Ellison responded:

"Yes, this is sadly a risk."

On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Ellison attended the gathering at the State Capitol. The event was organized by several religious organizations, including the Fridley-based .

Ellison again shared his views on Twitter:

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

And cable-television news again sought out Ellison for comments (), telling CNN:

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.