Ilhan Omar, the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, was attacked with an unknown liquid during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday night, January 27, 2026, authorities and witnesses confirmed.
The incident occurred as Omar was addressing constituents and calling for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the resignation of Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Moments into her remarks, a man rushed toward the podium and sprayed a dark-coloured liquid at Omar using a syringe-like object.
Security officers immediately tackled the assailant to the ground and took him into custody. According to police and reporting by Reuters, the suspect was arrested at the scene and later charged with third-degree assault. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the man or the nature of the substance sprayed and said an investigation is ongoing.
Omar was not injured in the attack and briefly left the podium before returning to reassure the audience. “I’m good,” she told supporters, despite some attendees expressing concern about the smell of the liquid and urging her to seek medical attention. She later wrote on social media that she was safe and would not be intimidated, thanking her constituents for their support.
Video footage from the event, including livestreams and broadcast recordings, showed the man approaching Omar as she spoke, shouting for her to resign before being subdued by security personnel. Witnesses described a brief moment of panic among attendees before calm was restored.
The attack was widely condemned by political leaders from both parties. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said violence and intimidation have no place in civic discourse, while several members of Congress also denounced the incident and expressed concern for Omar’s safety.
Omar, a Democrat, Somali American, and former refugee, has previously faced threats and harassment linked to her outspoken positions on immigration, civil rights, and U.S. foreign policy. She has been a vocal critic of recent ICE enforcement operations in Minnesota and remains a prominent figure within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation will continue to determine the suspect’s motive and the composition of the substance used in the attack.
