Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked with an unknown substance at a Minnesota town hall, prompting bipartisan condemnation as Republicans stressed that political disagreement must never escalate into violence.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media – January 28, 2026
Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked Tuesday night during a chaotic town hall in Minneapolis when a man rushed the stage and sprayed an unknown substance from a syringe toward her chest, an incident that drew swift condemnation from Republicans and Democrats alike.
Police identified the suspect as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, who was tackled by security and arrested on a charge of third-degree assault. The syringe appeared to contain an amber-colored liquid, and witnesses described a strong, foul odor resembling vinegar or ammonia.
Omar, a Democrat who represents Minnesota, was speaking critically about the Department of Homeland Security and calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a man charged her from the front row, shouting inaudible remarks. Video from the scene shows Omar briefly moving toward the assailant before he was subdued and removed.
“I need a napkin,” Omar was heard saying on a hot mic moments after the incident. Despite aides urging her to seek medical attention, she refused and resumed speaking within minutes. “We are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,” she told the crowd.
Minneapolis police said Omar was not injured. She later wrote on X that she was “okay” and would not be intimidated. “I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to stop me from doing my work,” she said.
The attack prompted rare and forceful condemnation from Republican lawmakers, who emphasized that political disagreements do not justify violence. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina said she was “deeply disturbed” by the assault. “Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric, and I do, no elected official should face physical attacks,” Mace wrote. “This is not who we are.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also denounced the incident as unacceptable, praising law enforcement for a rapid response. U.S. Capitol Police said they are working with federal partners to pursue the most serious charges possible to deter similar acts.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Minnesota and renewed concerns about the safety of elected officials. Capitol Police reported that threats against members of Congress increased for a third straight year in 2025, with nearly 15,000 concerning statements or behaviors investigated.
While Omar’s Democratic allies blamed heated national rhetoric for the attack, Republican leaders stressed that violence crosses a clear line, signaling a moment of bipartisan unity even as political divisions remain deep.
