Ilhan Omar Attacked During Townhall

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was assaulted during a town hall meeting in North Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, when a man in the audience rushed the podium and sprayed her with a liquid from a syringe.

The incident occurred as Omar addressed about 100 attendees, calling for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This came amid heightened tensions in the Twin Cities following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens--Alex Pretti and Renée Good--by Customs and Border Protection agents earlier that month.

Minneapolis police reported that officers observed the suspect, later identified as Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, of Minneapolis, use the syringe to spray an unknown liquid toward Omar. Security guards immediately tackled him to the ground, and police took him into custody. He was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault. The substance was later determined to be apple cider vinegar, though initial reports described it as unknown and strong-smelling.

Omar was not injured and continued the town hall after the disruption, stating afterward that she would not let bullies win. In a statement from her office, she said, "During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn't let bullies win."

Federal prosecutors have charged Kazmierczak with assaulting or impeding a federal employee. Court documents noted his history of online posts critical of Omar and supportive of President Donald Trump, along with a prior criminal record. A federal judge ordered him to remain in custody pending trial, citing the seriousness of the allegations despite the non-harmful nature of the liquid.

Lawmakers from both parties condemned the attack, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it "disgusting" and rebuking suggestions from some quarters--including President Trump--that the incident was staged. Omar has faced increased threats and harassment in recent months tied to her criticism of federal immigration enforcement policies.

The event highlighted ongoing divisions over immigration in Minnesota, where protests and unrest have followed the CBP incidents. Omar resumed her regular town halls in February, emphasizing resilience and continued constituent engagement.