Omar continued with her town hall despite the attack.
On Tuesday evening, January 27, 2026, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was targeted in an apparent assault at a town hall meeting in north Minneapolis. While speaking at the podium—calling for the abolition of ICE and demanding the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—a man suddenly charged forward from the front row and used a syringe to spray an unknown liquid onto her.
Security personnel and attendees quickly tackled and restrained the assailant, who was arrested on the spot by Minneapolis police and booked into Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of third-degree assault. The suspect has been identified in some reports as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak. Forensic teams processed the scene, and the substance—described by witnesses as having a strong, sour or vinegar-like odor—was being evaluated, though no immediate injuries were reported from exposure.
Omar appeared visibly shaken but unharmed. Her security detail pulled her back momentarily, and members of her team urged her to stop and seek medical attention, noting the foul smell. Despite pleas from local leaders and staff to end the event, Omar insisted on continuing.
