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Man Arrested After Rep. Ilhan Omar Sprayed with Unknown Substance at Minneapolis Town Hall
A town hall meeting in Minneapolis was disrupted Tuesday night after Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid by a man who rushed toward her during the event. Minneapolis police said officers witnessed the suspect use a syringe-like device to attack spray the substance onto Omar before he was quickly restrained and arrested.
Authorities confirmed that Ilhan Omar was not injured and resumed speaking shortly after the incident. Forensic scientists were called to the scene to analyze the substance, which had not been publicly identified as of Tuesday.
Omar: “I Will Not Be Intimidated”
In a statement released by her office, Ilhan Omar said she was “okay” and refused to allow the syringe attack incident to derail the event. “She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win,” the statement read.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Omar struck a defiant tone, saying: “I survived war, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me.” Omar immigrated to the United States as a child after fleeing Somalia’s civil war and has frequently spoken about her commitment to American democracy.
Suspect Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
Police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony James Kazmierczak, who was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault. Federal authorities, including U.S. Capitol Police, are now involved in the investigation and said they are working to pursue the most serious charges possible.
Officials emphasized that violence against elected officials would not be tolerated. Capitol Police described the act as an “unacceptable decision” that must be met with swift justice to deter similar attacks.
Bipartisan Condemnation of the Attack
Lawmakers from both parties swiftly condemned the incident. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican who has previously criticized Ilhan Omar, said she was “deeply disturbed” and stressed that no elected official should face physical attacks. Democratic leaders echoed that sentiment, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the assault “horrifying” and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeling it “a despicable act of political violence.”
Several Minnesota lawmakers also denounced the incident, describing it as unacceptable regardless of political differences.
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Rising Concerns Over Political Violence
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following recent fatal encounters involving federal officers and during a broader national climate marked by threats and violence against public officials. According to a recent U.S. Capitol Police report, investigations into threats against members of Congress rose for the third consecutive year, underscoring growing security concerns.
For Ilhan Omar, a frequent target of harsh rhetoric and political attacks, the syringe attack incident has become another example of the dangers facing elected officials. Still, her response was resolute: the work of public service, she made clear, will continue.
