Rep. Ilhan Omar Sprayed with Unknown Liquid from Syringe at Minneapolis Town Hall; Suspect Arrested
Minneapolis, MN — U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was the target of an apparent assault during a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday evening when a man rushed the stage and sprayed her with an unknown liquid using a syringe.
The incident, captured on video and witnessed by attendees and police, unfolded as Omar was addressing the crowd on immigration policy and calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).[1][2]
Details of the Attack
According to Minneapolis Police Department statements, 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak charged toward the podium where Omar was speaking. He used a syringe to spray an unidentified liquid onto the congresswoman before being tackled by a security guard and arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault.[1][2]
Officers were present at the event and observed the attack firsthand. Kazmierczak was booked into Hennepin County Jail following the brief struggle.[1]
Omar, undeterred, continued her remarks immediately after the disruption. “I’m going to finish my remarks. It is important for me to continue,” she declared, adding a profanity-laced rebuke: “These f—— a——- are not going to get away with it!”[1][3]
The congresswoman showed no visible signs of injury and later told reporters she would not be intimidated. “I’ve survived more, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me because I’m built that way,” Omar said.[1]
Broader Context of Rising Threats
The attack occurs amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which has included federal agent involvement in local shootings that killed two U.S. citizens.[1]
Omar has faced repeated attacks from President Donald Trump, who has escalated rhetoric against her and Minnesota’s Somali community—the largest in the nation. Recently, Trump called her a “fake sleazebag” and suggested she be thrown out of the U.S.[1]
In a phone interview with ABC News shortly after the event, Trump claimed without evidence that Omar had staged the incident, stating he hadn’t seen the video.[1]
This event follows a pattern of violence against lawmakers. Just days prior, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) was punched in the face at the Sundance Film Festival.[2] U.S. Capitol Police noted a sharp rise in threats against members of Congress, from under 9,000 to approximately 15,000 in the past year.[2]
“Tonight, a man is in custody after he decided to assault a Member of Congress—an unacceptable decision that will be met with swift justice.”
— U.S. Capitol Police statement[1]
Official Responses
Omar’s office issued a statement: “During her town hall, an agitator attempted to assault the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance using a syringe. Security and Minneapolis Police quickly apprehended the individual.”[2]
The U.S. Capitol Police affirmed they are working with federal partners to pursue the most serious charges possible to deter such violence.[1]
Political Backdrop
At the time of the attack, Omar was advocating for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and reiterating her stance against ICE.[2] The disturbance interrupted her leadership in demanding Noem’s resignation amid ongoing Democratic efforts.[3]
Video from the event shows attendees crying out in alarm as security escorted the man—a figure in a black jacket—out of the building.[3]
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet identified the substance in the syringe, and the investigation continues. Minneapolis police emphasized their swift response ensured the safety of all attendees.[1][2]
Omar’s resilience in the face of the attack underscores ongoing concerns about political violence and threats to public officials, particularly as partisan divides deepen over immigration and federal enforcement policies.
This story is developing, with updates expected as more details emerge from the investigation.