US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was sprayed with an unidentified liquid by a man carrying a syringe during a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Omar had called for the abolition of ICE and the resignation of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during the event.
The attack occurred shortly after Omar began speaking. Witnesses said a man in the audience stood, shouted, and sprayed her with a liquid that had an acidic smell. Omar approached the man, who was then tackled to the ground by a security guard.
Minneapolis Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw urged Omar to pause the town hall, but she continued, telling security, “Ten minutes, I beg you … please don’t let them have the show.”
The audience applauded after the suspect was restrained and escorted out. Omar told reporters she was unharmed and later posted on X/Twitter, “I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me.”
The suspect was identified as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak. He was arrested and booked into Hennepin County Jail on third-degree assault charges. Minneapolis police said forensics were called to the scene, and the investigation is ongoing.
The attack was condemned by city and national leaders. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described it as “unacceptable,” writing, “We can disagree without putting people at risk.”
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett said the incident was “disgusting” and “outraged,” while Republican Representative Nancy Mace said no elected official should face physical attacks.
Omar says death threats have increased
Omar, who immigrated to the US from Somalia at age 12 and became a citizen over 25 years ago, told The Guardian last month that death threats have increased since US President Donald Trump returned to office after remaining low during the Biden administration.
The US Capitol Police said the assault was “an unacceptable decision that will be met with swift justice” and is coordinating with federal authorities to ensure the suspect faces serious charges.
In 2025, the USCP investigated 14,938 concerning “statements, behaviors, and communications” directed at members of Congress, their families, and staff, marking a third consecutive year of increases.