'I'm Okay': US Lawmaker Ilhan Omar Sprayed With Liquid At Minneapolis Event, Accused Arrested

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 08:27 IST

A man was arrested after charging at Ilhan Omar and spraying an unknown, foul-smelling liquid on her during a Minneapolis town hall. She was not injured.

Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown spray at an event (Video screengrab/Social Media)

A man was arrested after charging toward Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar and spraying an unknown, foul-smelling liquid on her during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, an incident that unfolded as she was sharply criticising federal immigration authorities and drew swift condemnation from political leaders across party lines.

A video from the event showed a man rushing toward Omar as she stood at the lectern and spraying a stream of liquid at her before being tackled by another attendee.

Omar briefly stepped toward the man with her hand raised, then paused as he was subdued and taken to the ground, before resuming her remarks after a short break.

Minneapolis police told Reuters that officers at the scene saw the man use a syringe to spray the substance and immediately arrested him for third-degree assault.

Authorities said Omar was not injured and that forensic scientists were called in to process the scene.

Witnesses at the gathering described the strong smell of the liquid.

“He sprayed something on her," a woman could be heard saying, according to Reuters, while another remarked on the odour.

Omar herself was heard asking, “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 with his arms tied behind his back and escorted from the room by Omar’s security detail.

Journalists present said there was 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 confrontation came moments after Omar had called for the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.

“ICE cannot be reformed," she said, according to AP, echoing remarks cited by Reuters in which she declared that the agency “must" be abolished and that Noem should resign or face impeachment.

Reuters reported that as the attacker charged, he shouted, “You must resign."

Afterwards, Omar posted on X that she would not be intimidated. “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," she wrote.

The incident quickly drew condemnation from lawmakers and local officials.

Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina denounced the attack in a post on X, saying, “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, writing on X that such conduct was “Unacceptable," and adding that violence and intimidation “have no place in Minneapolis," while thanking police for their rapid response and saying he was relieved Omar was unharmed.

Reuters noted that Omar has frequently been targeted by President Donald Trump, who has called her “garbage," and earlier on Tuesday, accused her of not loving the United States during remarks in Iowa.

AP reported that Trump repeated that criticism at the event, saying his administration would only admit immigrants who “can show that they love our country," adding, “They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar."

News world 'I'm Okay': US Lawmaker Ilhan Omar Sprayed With Liquid At Minneapolis Event, Accused Arrested

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