MINNEAPOLIS: Police arrested a man who sprayed Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar with a foul-smelling liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis. The incident unfolded as Omar strongly criticised US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and condemned recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. Authorities confirmed that Omar did not suffer injuries.
Security intervenes quickly as police confirm assault charge
A security guard immediately restrained the suspect and forced him to the ground, according to a Reuters witness and video footage from the event. Police later confirmed they arrested the man on suspicion of third-degree assault. Officers said forensic teams collected evidence at the scene to determine the exact substance used in the attack. A witness reported that the liquid smelled like ammonia and caused mild throat irritation.
Omar continued speaking shortly after the incident, rejecting calls from aides to seek medical care and saying she only needed a napkin. Her office later issued a statement confirming she was safe. Addressing the audience, Omar said she refused to yield to intimidation. “You look them in the face, and you stand strong,” she told attendees, drawing applause.
Attack follows sharp criticism of ICE and DHS leadership
Moments before the confrontation, Omar sharply criticised ICE and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She demanded Noem’s resignation following the recent shooting deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement surge. Omar told the crowd that ICE could not be reformed and called for its abolition, statements that drew vocal support inside the venue.
The suspect reportedly approached the stage from the front row, sprayed Omar with a syringe-like device, and shouted for her to resign. Security subdued him within seconds.
The incident occurs amid heightened concerns over political violence nationwide. US Capitol Police said threat assessment cases rose nearly 58% in 2025 compared with 2024. The agency investigated 14,938 cases involving threats or hostile communications targeting members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol complex, up from 9,474 the previous year.
Omar, 43, emigrated to the United States at age 12 and became a citizen in 2000. She has frequently faced political attacks, including repeated public criticism from President Donald Trump, which has kept security concerns around her appearances high.
