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Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unidentified liquid during a public town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday, after a man in the audience used a syringe-like device to project the substance toward her, according to local police.
Omar was not injured and remained at the podium following the incident, telling attendees she would not be intimidated. Later, she said the attack would not stop her from continuing her work, describing herself as a survivor who refuses to give in to bullying.
Witnesses inside the community center said the liquid had a strong, sour odor, similar to a chemical product. Video footage shows security personnel rushing toward the suspect as staff shouted for space, before the man was forced out of the room.
Police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak, who was arrested at the scene and charged with third-degree assault. Forensic teams were called in to analyze the substance, authorities said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
The event was one of Omar's regular town halls and had drawn around 100 residents from north Minneapolis. Many had gathered to discuss heightened immigration enforcement and recent fatal encounters between federal agents and US citizens in the state, incidents that have sparked protests and political backlash.
During her remarks, Omar sharply criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling for the agency to be dismantled, and said the homeland security secretary should resign or face impeachment. It was shortly after those comments that the disruption occurred.
Despite concerns raised by some officials in attendance, Omar insisted on continuing the session. She urged the audience not to allow the disruption to overshadow the meeting, drawing applause as she resumed speaking.
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, saying violence and intimidation have no place in civic discourse and that political disagreements must never put lives at risk.
Omar, who represents Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District, has long been a polarizing figure in national politics and a frequent target of hostile rhetoric. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali-American population in the United States, a community Omar has often said she is proud to represent.
The case has renewed debate over political safety, as threats and attacks against elected officials continue to rise nationwide.
