At a Tuesday town hall in Minneapolis, Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid from a syringe before security personnel subdued and escorted the assailant away.
Multiple news outlets report that Minneapolis Police have named the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony J. Kazmierczak. He was taken into custody on suspicion of third-degree assault, and the police inquiry continues.
Video footage indicates Omar was advocating for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down when the individual leaped in front of her and sprayed the substance onto her shirt. Staff members present noted in the video that the liquid had a potent odor. Local media described it as having an orange hue and giving off a strong smell reminiscent of vinegar.
The town hall was temporarily suspended after the event. Though clearly affected, Omar insisted the proceedings continue and urged Minnesotans to remain strong and resilient. She subsequently stated on X that she was fine.
“This moment in U.S. history, especially in Minnesota, demands that we all collaborate to protect our democracy. When we declare we are prepared to risk our lives for our rights, we are serious,” Omar stated in her remarks after the assault.
When questioned Tuesday about whether he had viewed the video, President Trump informed ABC News he had not, but implied the assault on Omar was fabricated. Omar is among several Democrats Trump has frequently criticized, having previously suggested the Congresswoman, a U.S. citizen, should be deported. In recent weeks, Trump has attempted to link Omar to a fraud case in her home state, alleging without proof that she is worth $44 million and urging the Department of Justice to probe her.
“I don’t think about her. I believe she’s a fraud,” Trump said Tuesday.
Minneapolis local leaders stood together in support of Omar and in denunciation of the attacker. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey posted on X that “violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis.” Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vitaw, who was at the town hall, called the attack “unacceptable and deeply concerning.”
“Nevertheless, my colleagues in office and I are still dedicated to serving and representing Minneapolis residents,” she wrote on Facebook.
A number of congressional Republicans have also expressed alarm after the incident. New York Rep. Lawler and Missouri Rep. Mark Alford both denounced the assault. South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who had criticized Omar’s immigration record earlier this month, posted on X that she is “deeply disturbed” by what happened.
“No matter how strongly I oppose her views – and I do – no elected representative should be subjected to physical violence,” Mace wrote. “This is not who we are.”
