Ilhan Omar sprayed with foul liquid while criticising ICE at Town Hall, suspect arrested

Ilhan Omar attacked during Minneapolis town hall

A man was arrested in Minneapolis on Tuesday after rushing toward Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar and spraying an unknown, foul-smelling liquid on her during a town hall meeting, an incident that drew swift condemnation across party lines. The confrontation occurred just as Omar was sharply criticising federal immigration authorities.

Video from the event showed the man charging at Omar while she stood at the lectern, spraying a stream of liquid before being tackled to the ground by another attendee. Omar briefly moved toward him with her hand raised, paused as he was subdued, and resumed her remarks after a short break.

Minneapolis police told Reuters that officers on the scene saw the man use a syringe to spray the substance and immediately arrested him for third-degree assault. Authorities confirmed that Omar was unharmed and called in forensic scientists to process the scene.

WATCH: Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar sprayed with unknown liquid during town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The person who sprayed the liquid at her was subdued. pic.twitter.com/OZMgLs873O

— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) January 28, 2026

Witnesses described the strong odour of the liquid. “He sprayed something on her,” one woman could be heard saying, while another remarked on the smell. Omar herself asked, “I need a napkin,” before adding, “We will continue,” as the man was led away.

The Associated Press reported that the audience cheered as the suspect, wearing a black jacket and holding a syringe, was pinned to the floor, his arms tied behind his back, and escorted from the room by Omar’s security detail. Journalists at the event noted a sharp, vinegar-like smell when the syringe was pressed.

Walking out afterwards, Omar said she felt shaken but unharmed and would be screened by a medical team.

The attack came moments after Omar had called for the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanded the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “ICE cannot be reformed,” she told the audience, echoing remarks cited by Reuters. “It must be abolished. Noem should resign or face impeachment.”

According to Reuters, the attacker shouted, “You must resign,” as he charged. Undeterred, Omar later posted on X, emphasising her resilience:

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

The incident drew swift condemnation from political leaders. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina wrote on X:

“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.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also criticised the assault, calling the conduct “Unacceptable” and stating that violence and intimidation “have no place in Minneapolis,” while thanking police for their rapid response and expressing relief that Omar was unharmed.

Omar has frequently been targeted by President Donald Trump, who has previously called her “garbage.” Earlier on Tuesday, he accused her of not loving the United States during remarks in Iowa. The AP reported that Trump repeated his criticism at the event, asserting that his administration would only admit immigrants who “can show that they love our country,” adding, “They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar.”