In a display of remarkable composure, US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar confronted an assailant who sprayed her with an unidentified liquid during a constituent meeting in Minneapolis before defiantly completing her remarks. The incident occurred Tuesday as the Somali-born lawmaker addressed immigration enforcement concerns.
According to eyewitness accounts, 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak launched the attack from the front row just as Representative Omar called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. The assailant employed a syringe-like device that emitted a foul-smelling substance before being swiftly subdued by attendees and removed from the venue amid chants of ‘Nazis out.’
Minneapolis police confirmed the suspect’s arrest on suspicion of third-degree assault, noting the congresswoman sustained no physical injuries. The attack unfolded against a politically charged backdrop of ongoing tensions between local communities and federal immigration authorities.
Rather than retreating, Omar advanced toward her attacker with raised fist before calming the agitated audience. ‘We are Minnesota strong and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,’ she declared to applauding constituents.
The event highlighted deepening political divisions as Minneapolis becomes a flashpoint in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations. Omar, who has frequently been targeted by presidential criticism, previously accused the administration of turning her district into a ‘war zone’ through aggressive deportation tactics.
Security protocols at the public forum are under review after journalists observed press members entering without screening while civilians underwent checks. Following the incident, Omar posted on social media platform X: ‘I’m OK. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work.’