Man Arrested After Spraying Ilhan Omar With Unknown Liquid at Town Hall

• Jan 28, 2026

A man sprayed U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar with an unknown substance during a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday, but she refused to leave and continued speaking after he was tackled to the ground, authorities and eyewitnesses said.

The incident happened as Omar was addressing a crowd in North Minneapolis, where she had been calling for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. Moments later, a man wearing a black jacket approached the podium and used what appeared to be a syringe to spray a liquid at her, according to Reuters and local reports.

Security officers and attendees quickly restrained the man after he sprayed the substance. Video from the scene shows people in the audience reacting with shock, and at least one person can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her,” before the suspect was pinned down and handcuffed.

Minneapolis police later identified the suspect as 55‑year‑old Anthony James Kazmierczak, who was arrested and booked on suspicion of third‑degree assault. Forensic teams were called to the scene to investigate the substance, which witnesses described as having a strong, vinegarlike smell. Officials have not yet released details about the composition of the liquid.

Despite the disruption, Omar remained at the podium and addressed supporters for about 25 more minutes. She rejected calls from people nearby to stop the event so she could be examined by medical staff, and she later posted on social media that she was “okay” and would not be intimidated.

Council members and others in attendance reported that some of the unknown substance also came into contact with other officials, but no serious physical reactions were reported. A journalist at the event noted the smell was very strong, though no one in the crowd appeared to suffer noticeable harm.

The attack drew immediate attention as tensions remain high in Minneapolis over recent federal immigration enforcement actions, including the controversial fatal shootings of civilians by agents. Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, condemned the assault and stressed that violent intimidation has no place in public discourse.

Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th District, has been a frequent target of political criticism, particularly over her stance on immigration policy. Her decision to continue the town hall underscored her message that she will not be silenced by threats or attacks