US President Donald Trump accused Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of staging an attack against herself after a man sprayed an unknown substance at her during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, remarks that drew sharp attention as police confirmed an arrest in the case.
Asked about the incident in an interview with ABC News, Trump dismissed concerns and questioned the authenticity of the attack.
“I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud,” Trump said. “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
Trump said he had not watched video footage of the incident. “I haven’t seen it. No, no. I hope I don’t have to bother,” he added.
⚡️ILHAN OMAR SPRAYED WITH A MYSTERIOUS SUBSTANCE pic.twitter.com/TARQ6PfBbi— RT (@RT_com) January 28, 2026
The attack occurred on Tuesday night as Omar was hosting a town hall in Minneapolis. Video from the event showed a man standing up, shouting at the congresswoman, and spraying a thin stream of liquid toward her before being tackled by security.
Minneapolis police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, saying officers observed him using a syringe to spray an unknown substance. He was arrested at the scene and booked into Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault.
“Representative Omar was uninjured and resumed speaking at the event,” police said, adding that forensic teams were called to process the scene. Authorities have not officially confirmed the substance used.
Witnesses and journalists present reported a strong vinegar-like smell. Photos from the scene showed a syringe containing a light-brown liquid. Minnesota Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who was also hit by the spray, told local media the odour was overwhelming.
“It smelled like vinegar or ammonia,” Vetaw said. “It started out smelling really like apple cider vinegar-smelly. Then it started to smell like ammonia… I got sick to my stomach.”
Media reports later cited sources suggesting the liquid may have been apple cider vinegar, though officials have not publicly verified this.
Despite the incident, Omar continued speaking for roughly 25 minutes after the suspect was removed. She later struck a defiant tone, both at the venue and online.
“I’ve survived war, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation or whatever these people think they can throw at me, because I’m built that way,” she said.
In a post on X, Omar wrote: “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. Minnesota strong.”
The confrontation came moments after Omar sharply criticised US immigration authorities, calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanding the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following two fatal shootings involving immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis.
The incident drew condemnation from leaders across party lines. Republican Representative Nancy Mace said, “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 called the assault “unacceptable” and said violence and intimidation “have no place in Minneapolis.”
Omar, who joined Congress in 2019, has long been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump again attacked her during remarks in Iowa.
“She comes from a country that’s a disaster,” Trump said. “It’s considered, I think, the worst (country). It’s not even a country.” Police said an investigation into Tuesday’s attack remains ongoing.
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