Ilhan Omar Town Hall Attack Leads to Immediate Arrest in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A routine town hall hosted by Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar turned frightening Tuesday night after a man allegedly sprayed an unknown substance toward the congresswoman and was swiftly tackled to the ground by attendees and security.
Witnesses say the suspect, dressed in a black jacket and holding what appeared to be a syringe filled with brown liquid, lunged forward during the event. Video from the scene captured gasps from the crowd, with one voice heard shouting, “Oh my God, he sprayed something on her.”
Omar Refuses to Be Intimidated
Despite the frightening moment, Omar showed visible strength and composure, choosing to continue the town hall after the suspect was removed.
“I will not be intimidated,” she told supporters, signaling that fear would not silence her advocacy.
Minneapolis police later confirmed the man was arrested and booked on a third-degree assault charge. Officers say forensic teams responded to examine the substance used, which witnesses described as having a strong, vinegar-like odor.
Photos taken at the scene show the syringe lying on the floor, partially filled with a dark liquid.
Attack Comes After Omar’s Fiery Stance on ICE
The disturbing incident unfolded shortly after Omar delivered strong remarks calling for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar told the crowd, drawing loud applause.
Her remarks come amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of an ICU nurse and mother of threeby federal immigration agents earlier this month, a case that has ignited outrage across the country.
“I’m OK. I’m a Survivor.”
After leaving the venue, Omar confirmed she was shaken but not injured and planned to be medically evaluated as a precaution.
She later addressed the incident directly on X, striking a defiant tone:
“I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.”
I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.
I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong. — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 28, 2026
Her message was met with an outpouring of support online, with many praising her resilience in the face of escalating political hostility.
Trump’s Attacks Resurface Amid Political Climate
The attack comes as President Donald Trump has ramped up verbal attacks against Omar, frequently singling her out at rallies and public appearances.
Just hours before the town hall, Trump criticized Omar while speaking in Iowa, claiming his administration would only allow immigrants who “love our country.”
“They have to be proud — not like Ilhan Omar,” he said, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.
Trump, earlier this evening in Iowa, said this:
“We need people to come in legally, but they have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country…They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud. Not like Ilhan Omar.” https://t.co/v76mmeu2lz pic.twitter.com/SBHxM6zTSZ — Jared Poland (@Jared_Poland) January 28, 2026
In past remarks, Trump has referred to Omar using demeaning language and questioned her background — rhetoric critics argue has contributed to a dangerous climate for elected officials, particularly women of color.
Officials Condemn the Assault
Despite deep political divides, officials across party lines condemned the attack.
