Man Arrested After Spraying Rep. Ilhan Omar at North Minneapolis Town Hall
A North Minneapolis town hall was disrupted after a man sprayed U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar with an orange substance from a syringe, prompting his arrest. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as officials condemned the attack.
A North Minneapolis town hall erupted into chaos the evening of Jan. 27 after a man used a syringe to spray an orange substance at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, prompting his arrest by Minneapolis police.
Omar was hosting Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District’s first monthly town hall of the year, joined by local and state officials who were providing updates on public safety, immigration enforcement, and legislative priorities. The event came to an abrupt halt when a man seated in the front row rushed toward Omar and sprayed her with liquid from a syringe before being subdued by security and law enforcement.
Witnesses said the man moved quickly toward the congresswoman, extending his arm and spraying the substance before being tackled to the ground by Omar’s security detail and later restrained by Minneapolis police officers. He was escorted out of the venue as officers secured the room.
The attack occurred moments after Omar criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement and called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“ICE cannot be reformed. It cannot be rehabilitated. We must abolish ICE for good, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign, or this is our future,” Omar said shortly before the assault.
Local and state officials attending the town hall had been discussing proposed legislative efforts related to civil rights protections and immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Several officials referenced increased scrutiny of federal immigration operations following recent controversies involving Border Patrol and ICE activity in the state.
“We’re looking at ways to strengthen our civil rights laws in Minnesota because we know the federal government continues to erode civil rights at all levels,” Minnesota State Representative Esther Agbaje said earlier in the event. “We want to ensure that in Minnesota, at least, your civil rights will be protected here.”
Despite being visibly shaken, Omar chose to continue the town hall after a brief pause, responding to audience questions and addressing the incident directly.
“These assholes are not going to get away with that,” Omar said shortly after the attack when aides encouraged her to stop the event. She later addressed the crowd again, emphasizing resilience and accountability.
“Here is the reality that people like this don’t understand: We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they’d like to throw at us,” Omar said to applause from attendees. She reiterated her call for Noem’s resignation and said Congress would consider articles of impeachment if no action is taken.
Multiple witnesses and reporters present said the substance sprayed from the syringe was orange in color and emitted a strong vinegar-like odor. Authorities have not yet identified the liquid, and testing is ongoing.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the assault in a statement posted to Facebook later that evening.
“This is unacceptable. Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis,” Frey wrote. “We can disagree without putting people at risk. I’m relieved Rep. Ilhan Omar is okay and appreciate MPD for responding quickly. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city.”
Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who was also in attendance, said the incident was frightening.
“I want to be honest: this was terrifying, and I am still shaken,” Vetaw said in a statement shared on social media. “Despite this, my fellow elected officials and I remain committed to serving and representing the people of Minneapolis.”
Minneapolis police identified the suspect as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, according to the Hennepin County Jail roster. He was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of third-degree assault. Police said the investigation remains active, and the substance inside the syringe has not yet been confirmed.
Following the town hall, Omar was evaluated by her staff and later issued a statement on Facebook and X.
“I’m okay. I’m a survivor, so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work,” Omar wrote. “I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me.”
Izzy Canizares is a freelance journalist and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder