Omar, Who Appeared Unharmed in the Attack, Continued Her Speech and Told the Audience They Are “Minnesota Strong”
Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance and briefly attacked Tuesday during a town hall she was hosting in North Minneapolis, as tensions over federal immigration enforcement continue to escalate in the city.
The event was held to address ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations that have sparked days of protests following the fatal shootings of two residents by federal agents earlier this month.
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According to Minneapolis police, a man wearing a black jacket approached Omar and used a syringe to spray an unknown liquid at her. The man was immediately tackled by Omar’s security team, pinned to the ground, and restrained as the audience reacted in shock. Video from the scene captured people in the crowd shouting that Omar had been sprayed. Journalists at the event later reported a strong, vinegar-like odor in the room.
Police said officers arrested the man at the scene and booked him into the county jail on a charge of third-degree assault, according to police spokesperson Trevor Folke. Omar was not visibly injured. She continued the town hall after the man was removed, telling the audience she would not be intimidated and later saying she felt shaken but unharmed and would be medically screened as a precaution.
The attack occurred shortly after Omar called for the abolition of ICE and urged the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, telling the crowd that “ICE cannot be reformed.” Her remarks came amid mounting scrutiny of immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota and growing calls from progressive lawmakers to limit funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
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After the event, Omar posted on X that she was “OK” and thanked constituents for rallying behind her, writing that the incident would not stop her from doing her job. “I’m a survivor,” she wrote. “This small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me. Minnesota strong.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Donald Trump, who has repeatedly singled out Omar over the years, criticized her earlier that day during remarks in Iowa, drawing loud boos when mentioning her name and questioning her patriotism.
In recent months, Trump has intensified his rhetoric toward Minneapolis and Somali communities, language Omar has said fuels hostility and misinformation.
Condemnation of the attack came from both Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Nancy Mace said that while she strongly disagrees with Omar’s views, no elected official should face physical violence. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also denounced the assault, calling it unacceptable and thanking law enforcement for their quick response.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the safety of lawmakers at public events. Threats against members of Congress have risen sharply in recent years, according to U.S. Capitol Police data, and several lawmakers have cited the increasingly hostile climate as a reason for scaling back town halls or reconsidering reelection.
Despite the attack, Omar made clear she intends to keep holding public forums and speaking out, saying intimidation will not silence her or her constituents.
