A man sprays Rep. Ilhan Omar with substance during a public town hall event in Minneapolis, prompting an immediate apprehension. The man has been taken into custody, and has not been identified as of right now.
The incident occurred as Omar, a Democrat who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, was speaking to constituents about immigration policy. Witnesses said the suspect, who had been seated in the front row, suddenly rushed toward the stage and sprayed Omar with a substance while shouting at her.
WATCH: A man sprayed liquid on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) during a town hall event in Minneapolis.pic.twitter.com/538T9UuUH9
— Resist Times (World) (@ResistWireWorld) January 28, 2026
Security personnel reacted quickly, restraining the man within seconds and escorting him out of the room in handcuffs. Law enforcement officials later confirmed the suspect was apprehended at the scene. His identity and motive have not yet been publicly released, and authorities have not said what the substance was.
Despite the attack, Omar appeared physically unharmed and declined requests from staff and security to immediately leave the event for medical evaluation.
“We will continue,” Omar said to the crowd moments after the incident. “This f*ing ahole is not going to get away with it.”
Audience members described the moment as tense and chaotic. One person in attendance said the substance sprayed on Omar had a strong, unpleasant odor and urged her to seek medical attention as a precaution.
“Whatever it was, it smells so bad,” the attendee said, according to witnesses inside the room.
The confrontation came as Omar was criticizing federal immigration enforcement. During the town hall, she had called for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanded the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Following the attack, staff members again encouraged Omar to step away from the venue to be checked by medical professionals, but she chose to remain and continue addressing constituents. The event resumed shortly after the suspect was removed.
As of Tuesday night, no official statement had been released regarding potential charges or whether the substance posed any health risk.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.