Man Rushes Ilhan Omar at Minneapolis Town Hall, Sprays Her With Liquid Before Being Tackled by Security

A tense moment unfolded during a town hall hosted by Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minneapolis on Tuesday night when a man rushed toward the podium and appeared to spray her with a liquid before being restrained by security.

Witnesses said the man, later identified by Minneapolis police as 55-year-old Anthony J. Kazmierczak, was seated in the front row when he suddenly stood up, ran toward the lectern and used a syringe-like object to spray Omar’s clothing with a substance that had a sharp, vinegar-like odor. Security officers quickly intervened, tackling him to the floor, placing him in handcuffs, and escorting him out of the venue.

The incident stunned the audience. Gasps filled the room, with some attendees shouting in alarm and others appearing visibly shaken. Police confirmed the suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of assault. A forensic team was called in to examine the scene and test the substance involved.

Omar had been speaking about immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis and had just called for the abolition of ICE and the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when the disruption occurred. Her remarks echoed growing calls from Democratic lawmakers following the recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in the city.

Despite appearing shaken, Omar insisted on continuing the event after a brief pause. According to attendees, she told staff she did not want to give the attacker the satisfaction of ending the town hall. When she returned to the microphone, she received applause and encouragement from the crowd.

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

Addressing supporters, Omar emphasized resilience and defiance in the face of intimidation. Later that evening, she posted on social media that she was safe and grateful for the support she received, adding that she would not allow threats or harassment to deter her work.

The U.S. Capitol Police said they are coordinating with local and federal authorities to ensure the suspect faces serious consequences, stressing that attacks on elected officials are unacceptable. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the incident, saying violence and intimidation have no place in the city.

Even some political opponents expressed concern. Rep. Nancy Mace, who frequently clashes with Omar, said that while she strongly disagrees with her politically, no public official should be subjected to physical attacks.

I am deeply disturbed to learn that Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall today. Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric – and I do – no elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are.pic.twitter.com/2kNUqcnAb8

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 28, 2026

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