MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 28 – A public town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minneapolis turned tense Tuesday evening after a man approached the congresswoman and sprayed an unknown liquid in her direction, prompting immediate intervention by security and police. Omar was not injured during the incident and chose to continue the event after the suspect was removed. Authorities later confirmed that the man was taken into custody on suspicion of third-degree assault.
The gathering was underway when the disruption occurred, with Omar addressing constituents on a range of political issues, including immigration policy. According to people present at the event, the confrontation happened shortly after Omar criticized federal immigration enforcement practices and called for major changes within the Department of Homeland Security. Moments later, a man began walking down the center aisle toward the stage, drawing attention from attendees seated nearby.
Witnesses said the man suddenly raised his arm and released a liquid toward Omar using what appeared to be a syringe or similar device. Omar reacted immediately, raising her voice as security personnel rushed forward. A security guard tackled the man to the ground while others helped restrain him. Several people in the room could be heard expressing alarm, with one attendee saying the substance had a strong and unpleasant smell.
Despite the shock of the moment, Omar remained standing and appeared composed as the suspect was detained. Event organizers and local officials who had spoken earlier urged her to step away from the room and seek medical evaluation as a precaution. Omar declined, telling the audience that leaving would serve the purpose of intimidation. She then resumed speaking, emphasizing that she would not allow threats or disruptions to silence her.
The suspect was later identified through jail records as Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55. Minneapolis police confirmed that officers on scene observed him spray an unknown liquid toward the congresswoman. He was arrested and booked into the Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault. At the time of reporting, no formal charges had been announced.
Police said forensic specialists were called to the scene to examine the substance involved and ensure there was no danger to the public. In a written statement released later that night, the Minneapolis Police Department said Omar was unharmed and continued speaking after the incident. The department added that the investigation remained active.
Omar’s office also addressed the situation in a statement posted to her official account on X, saying she was safe and emphasizing her decision to continue the town hall. The statement noted that she refused to let intimidation dictate her actions or disrupt her engagement with the community.
The U.S. Capitol Police released a separate statement condemning the incident and praising the quick response by security and local law enforcement. The agency described the suspect’s actions as unacceptable and said it was working with federal partners to determine whether additional charges could be pursued. Capitol Police officials stressed that consequences were necessary to deter similar acts in the future.
Speaking with reporters after the event, Omar reflected on her background and said intimidation would not stop her from doing her job. She referenced her early life experiences, including fleeing civil war in Somalia before immigrating to the United States as a child, and said resilience had long shaped her approach to public service.
The incident occurred amid ongoing political tension nationally and locally. Omar has frequently been the subject of harsh rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized her in speeches and public remarks. Earlier this week, Trump again mentioned Omar while discussing immigration, questioning her loyalty and making remarks about her country of birth. He also suggested that federal authorities were examining her actions, though no specific details were provided.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the town hall incident.
Public records show that Kazmierczak has a limited criminal history in Minnesota. Court documents indicate that in 1989 he was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and later pleaded guilty, resulting in a financial penalty. Records also show several traffic-related misdemeanor offenses over the years. Information reviewed from public court filings indicates he has been married and divorced twice. Authorities have not publicly stated a motive for his actions at the town hall.
Lawmakers from both political parties condemned the incident shortly after it occurred. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who has previously criticized Omar, said she was disturbed by the attack and emphasized that physical assaults on elected officials are unacceptable regardless of political disagreement. Other members of Congress echoed that view, calling the incident alarming and stressing the importance of civil discourse.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was horrified by the confrontation and reaffirmed that violence has no place in politics. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also issued a statement describing the act as a serious form of intimidation directed at a sitting member of Congress.
The disruption at the town hall comes during a period of heightened tension in Minneapolis. Recent fatal shootings involving federal officers have drawn public attention and sparked protests, contributing to an already charged atmosphere in the city. Political leaders have called for calm while acknowledging widespread concern over public safety and accountability.
The incident adds to a growing list of politically charged confrontations across the United States. In recent years, threats and attacks against public officials have increased at both the federal and state levels. Minnesota itself has experienced severe cases, including the killing of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband last year in what authorities described as a politically motivated attack. The suspect in that case is also accused of shooting and injuring another Democratic lawmaker.
Other recent incidents have raised similar concerns. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida reported being assaulted at a public event in Utah, allegedly following a confrontation involving political threats tied to immigration.
According to a newly released annual report from the U.S. Capitol Police, threats directed at members of Congress continue to rise. The agency said it investigated 14,938 concerning statements and behaviors last year involving lawmakers, their families, staff, or the Capitol complex. That figure represents an increase for the third consecutive year, up from 9,474 cases the previous year.