U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she is safe and undeterred after an individual sprayed an unknown substance at her during a public town hall meeting in Minneapolis, an incident police are treating as an assault.
The Minnesota Democrat, who was hosting the event on Tuesday night, Jan. 27, 2026, was not injured and continued speaking after the disruption.
Authorities say an audience member used a syringe to spray liquid toward the congresswoman before being quickly restrained and arrested. (Click here to watch an IG video of the attack)
“I’m ok. I’m a survivor, so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work,” Omar wrote later on X. “I don’t let bullies win.”
Minneapolis police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak, who has been charged with third-degree assault and is being held in custody. Investigators said forensic tests are ongoing to determine the nature of the liquid, which one journalist present described as having a sour, chemical-like smell.
Despite concerns raised by security officials, Omar insisted on continuing the event, urging attendees not to allow the disruption to derail the discussion.
“We will continue. We are Minnesota strong,” she told the audience, drawing applause from those in attendance.
The town hall was focused on immigration enforcement in Minnesota and recent fatal shootings involving U.S. citizens during encounters with federal agents.
During her remarks, Omar renewed calls for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanded accountability from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying she should resign or face impeachment.
Omar, the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. Congress, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and his immigration policies. She has also been a frequent target of personal attacks from Trump, who recently singled her out during a campaign appearance in Iowa.
The incident occurred shortly after Omar condemned federal immigration tactics and followed renewed tensions in Minnesota over recent enforcement operations. As the suspect was escorted from the room, witnesses said he accused the congresswoman of “pitting us against each other,” though police said his motive remains under investigation.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, saying violence and intimidation have no place in the city. “We can disagree without putting people at risk,” he said in a statement.
About 100 people attended the town hall, which concluded peacefully after Omar finished her remarks. Supporters praised her resolve, with one attendee telling reporters that her decision to stay demonstrated “courage and strength.”
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, but officials disclosed that Omar is doing well and remains committed to continuing her public engagements.
