Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with liquid from a syringe during a town hall she was hosting in north Minneapolis, according to police, in an incident that underscores the increasing threats facing Muslim lawmakers in the U.S.
Omar, who was uninjured, refused to end the event. “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,” she later wrote on X.
Authorities have not yet identified the substance used. A journalist present at the town hall said the liquid had a sour odor, resembling a chemical product.
The suspect, Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, was arrested at the scene and charged with third-degree assault, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
As he was escorted out, Kazmierczak told the crowd that Omar was “pitting us against each other,” though it was not immediately clear what he meant. Forensic testing is ongoing.
Standing Strong Amid Rising Threats
Omar, first elected to Congress in 2019, made history as the first Somali American, the first African-born American, and one of the first two Muslim American women to serve in the United States Congress.
Representing Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, she has become a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, especially on immigration policy.
During the town hall, Omar called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which has faced scrutiny for its tactics.
She also criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying she should “resign or face impeachment” over recent incidents in Minnesota involving federal immigration officers.
The attacks on Omar coincide with broader national debates over immigration enforcement. Two United States citizens were recently fatally shot during interactions with federal agents, sparking protests in Minnesota and nationwide.
Omar’s town hall, attended by about 100 people, was intended to give constituents a chance to ask questions and express concerns over these incidents.
Despite police urging her to end the event after the attack, Omar pressed on. “We will continue… we are Minnesota strong,” she told the audience. Returning to the lectern, she added, “We’re gonna keep talking. Just give me 10 minutes. Please don’t let them have the show.”
Target of Islamophobia and Political Fire
Omar has faced sustained attacks from Trump and his allies, often fueled by Islamophobia.
Trump has repeatedly singled her out, calling her a “radical left lunatic” and, in a recent post on Truth Social, suggesting she “should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia.”
The president’s rhetoric reflects a broader pattern of targeting Muslim lawmakers, which experts say has contributed to a climate of hostility and intimidation.
Omar has frequently condemned Islamophobia and systemic discrimination, positioning herself as a voice for marginalized communities.
Hours before the incident, Trump told an audience in Iowa that immigrants “have to show that they can love our country, be proud — not like Ilhan Omar.”
In response to questions from the media after the attack, he said he had not seen footage of the incident and added, “I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud.”
Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota began in December after some Somali immigrants were convicted in a massive welfare fraud scheme.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the U.S., making the state a flashpoint for debates over immigration enforcement and community relations.
Courage in the Face of Danger
Omar regularly hosts town halls to engage with constituents, and the event on Tuesday was no exception.
Attendees expected a discussion about federal immigration presence in their city and the recent fatal shootings.
While U.S. Capitol Police reported a 50 percent increase in threats against lawmakers, their families, and staff last year, Omar’s response reflects her commitment to public service.
“We’re gonna keep talking,” she said, “just give me 10 minutes. Please don’t let them have the show.”
The incident highlights the heightened risks faced by Muslim and minority lawmakers in the current political climate, as well as the resilience of elected officials like Omar, who continue to speak out on controversial issues despite personal danger.
By Mehr Jan
