Attack was suffered by Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar during an event she was hosting on Tuesday, when an individual from the audience sprayed her with an unknown liquid using a syringe. Ilhan Omar was not injured in the incident and continued her speech normally, despite the disruption caused in the venue. A short time later, with a post on social media, the congresswoman assured that she was fine, emphasizing: “I am a survivor. This little provocateur will not intimidate me into stopping my work. I don’t let bullies win“. Authorities have not yet identified the liquid that was sprayed, however, according to a BBC reporter who was at the scene, it emitted a strong acidic smell. The 55-year-old was immediately arrested and remains in custody. During his removal from the venue, he allegedly stated that Omar “turns one against the other,” without clarifying what he meant.
Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar sprayed by a man wielding a syringe with an unknown liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis, while calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. pic.twitter.com/Mo06YUorRQ
— My moms caregiver (@mymomcare) January 28, 2026
Who is congresswoman Ilhan Omar – Minneapolis mayor condemns the incident
Ilhan Omar, Democratic congresswoman and the first Somali-American elected to Congress in 2019, is a vocal critic of President Donald Trump. She has recently denounced his administration’s strict immigration policy in Minnesota, where two American citizens were killed by federal agents within a few weeks. During the event, Omar called for the abolition of ICE and demanded that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem resign or face impeachment proceedings. Shortly after these statements, the attack occurred.
Despite calls from organizers to stop the event, Omar insisted on continuing, telling the audience: “We will continue. We are strong in Minnesota. Don’t let them steal the show.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the incident, stating that “violence and intimidation have no place in the city,” while emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated.
