U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar has forcefully rejected President Donald Trump’s claim that a recent attack against her at a Minnesota town hall was “probably staged.”
The Congresswoman has called the remark by the President dangerous and dismissive in the aftermath of the violent incident caught on camera.
The confrontation occurred during a town hall meeting in Minnesota, where Omar was speaking at a lectern when a man rushed toward her holding a syringe. Authorities later determined with a high degree of certainty that the substance in the syringe was apple cider vinegar, according to forensic examiners.
The suspect, a 55-year-old man, has been charged with third-degree assault under state law. Capitol Police have also indicated they are considering federal charges, including assaulting a member of Congress and interfering with the performance of official duties. The suspect is expected to be taken into federal custody, with additional charges potentially forthcoming.
Omar Continued Town Hall After Incident
Despite the attack, Omar chose to continue the town hall meeting rather than leave for medical evaluation. In an interview following the incident, she said the decision reflected a commitment to her constituents and a refusal to be intimidated.
“Their ultimate goal is to stop me from being a public servant,” Omar said, referencing years of threats and hostile rhetoric directed at her. “My constituents deserve to have their congresswoman continue to do the work that they elected her to do.”
Omar said she initially believed the attacker had spit on her, prompting an instinctive reaction before security intervened. She acknowledged that had she reached the man before security did, she might have faced legal consequences herself.
Trump Questions Incident, Draws Criticism
Hours after the incident, Trump was asked about the attack in an interview with ABC News. He dismissed the incident, saying he did not think about Omar and calling her a “fraud,” before adding that she “probably had herself sprayed knowing her.”
Omar contrasted Trump’s remarks with her own response following a previous assassination attempt against him, when she publicly condemned violence and called for calm and decency.
“The difference between the president and I is that I was raised to be a decent human being,” Omar said, adding that Trump’s comments reflect a pattern of denying recorded events despite video evidence.
She also criticized Trump for making contradictory statements about her, noting that he had recently referenced her repeatedly on social media and at campaign events while claiming not to think about her.
Questions Raised About Federal Scrutiny
During the interview, Omar was asked about Trump’s claim that the Justice Department and Congress were “looking at” her finances. Omar said she was not aware of any active DOJ investigation beyond prior complaints filed with the Federal Election Commission, which she said had not produced evidence of wrongdoing.
She characterized such allegations as part of long-running efforts to undermine her credibility and target her background as a former refugee.
“I am a visible representation of the American dream,” Omar said, adding that her journey from a war-torn country to Congress continues to provoke hostility from political opponents.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the town hall attack remains active, with both state and federal authorities reviewing potential charges. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of elected officials and the impact of political rhetoric on acts of violence.
Omar said she intends to continue holding public events and fulfilling her duties despite the risks.
“I will continue to do the work,” she said. “That is my promise.”
