WATCH: Rep. Ilhan Omar sprayed with unknown substance in syringe by ranting audience member at chaotic town hall
A man is tackled after spraying an unknown substance at US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (L) during a town hall she was hosting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 27, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was confronted and sprayed with an unknown substance Tuesday when a man rushed the stage during a tense town hall event in Minneapolis.
Omar was speaking at the podium, criticizing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and calling for the abolition of ICE, when a man later identified as Anthony Kazmierczak allegedly charged toward her from the front row and sprayed liquid from a syringe in her direction. Witnesses said the syringe appeared to contain an amber-colored substance.
Omar briefly chased after the man and appeared ready to strike before security intervened and tackled him. Moments later, she was heard asking a staffer for a napkin over a live microphone. Aides encouraged her to seek medical attention, but Omar declined and resumed the event.
“No, we will continue. I’m fine,” Omar said.
A person standing near Omar said the substance emitted a strong and unpleasant odor. Despite the disruption, Omar returned to the podium minutes later.
“We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,” she said as the suspect was escorted from the room.
Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested by Minneapolis Police Department officers and booked into Hennepin County Jail on a charge of third-degree assault, according to MPD Public Information Officer Trevor Folke. Police said Kazmierczak had shared pro-President Trump content on social media.
“Representative Omar was uninjured and resumed speaking at the event,” Folke said. Minneapolis forensic scientists processed the scene at the Urban League Twin Cities building.
Omar later posted on X that she was unharmed.
“I’m a survivor, so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work,” she wrote. “I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me.”
Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who was presenting at the town hall and said some of the substance landed on her jacket, described the scene as chaotic.
“It was mayhem when it happened, but her getting back up there and speaking calmed the room down,” Vetaw said, adding that Omar’s hands were visibly shaking afterward. Vetaw said the substance smelled like vinegar or ammonia and made her physically ill.
Political leaders from both parties condemned the incident.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said on X that while she strongly disagrees with Omar’s views, no elected official should face physical attacks. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the assault “unacceptable” and praised law enforcement for their quick response.
The attack occurred one day after President Trump confirmed that the Department of Justice and Congress were investigating Omar’s financial disclosures and net worth. Trump has previously criticized Omar and discussed possible legal consequences related to her conduct in office.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) blamed President Trump and Vice President Vance for creating an atmosphere that led to the assault, citing their recent public criticism of Omar.
U.S. Capitol Police said the suspect would face serious charges and emphasized that threats against lawmakers continue to rise. According to USCP, the agency investigated 14,938 concerning statements and threats against members of Congress, their families, and staff in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of increases.
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