MINNEAPOLIS: US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was sprayed with an unidentified liquid by an attacker during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, but she remained unshaken and continued addressing her constituents, AFP reported.
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The assailant, identified by police as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, jumped from the front row while Omar was calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in light of recent immigration enforcement incidents resulting in the deaths of two US citizens. The substance sprayed by the attacker reportedly had a foul smell. Two men quickly tackled Kazmierczak, and police arrested him on suspicion of third-degree assault. Omar was unharmed.
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win.
Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 28, 2026
Rep. @Ilhan Omar was rushed & sprayed with an unknown substance.
This is what “the new normal” looks like, apparently.
When town halls start looking like security incidents, something’s gone very wrong. pic.twitter.com/X60uiI9k05
— Rina Shah (@RinainDC) January 28, 2026
Witnesses described a tense scene as the crowd gasped, but Omar confronted the attacker with her fist raised before urging attendees to remain calm. “Here is the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand — we are Minnesota strong and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,” she told the gathering.
Omar, the first Somali-American member of Congress, later reassured her followers on X, saying, “I’m OK. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis due to aggressive immigration operations promoted by former President Donald Trump. Omar has previously accused Trump of turning the city into a “war zone,” while Trump has repeatedly targeted her with unfounded accusations of corruption.
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Questions are expected regarding the security arrangements at the town hall, where attendees underwent minimal screening. Omar’s rapid composure and defiance during the attack have been praised by local constituents and observers alike, underscoring her resilience in the face of physical threats.
Authorities are investigating Kazmierczak’s motives, and the FBI may also review the incident, given the political profile of the target.