Man sprays U.S. lawmaker Ilhan Omar with liquid at Minnesota event

Police arrested the man for third-degree assault after he disrupted Omar's town hall remarks criticizing ICE and DHS

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:31pm

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A man sprayed Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar with a foul-smelling liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Omar was uninjured, and a security guard immediately subdued the man, who was arrested for third-degree assault. Omar was criticizing the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and calling for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and threats faced by members of Congress, especially those who have been vocal critics of the Trump administration's immigration policies. It also underscores the heightened security concerns for lawmakers, with U.S. Capitol Police reporting a significant increase in threat assessment cases in recent years.

The details

According to the report, the man seated in the front row stepped toward Omar and sprayed her with the contents of what police described as a syringe, telling her "You must resign." Omar defiantly took a few steps toward him before he was subdued by a security guard. She continued her remarks after a short break, refusing to seek medical attention and saying she just needed a napkin. Forensic scientists were gathering evidence at the scene, and a Reuters witness said the liquid smelled of ammonia and caused minor throat irritation.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during a town hall event in Minneapolis.
  • In 2025, the U.S. Capitol Police reported a 58% increase in threat assessment cases against members of Congress, their families, staff, and the Capitol complex compared to 2024.

The players

Ilhan Omar

Democratic U.S. Representative from Minnesota who was the target of the attack. She is a frequent critic of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Kristi Noem

Department of Homeland Security Secretary, whom Omar was calling to resign during the event.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has repeatedly targeted Omar in public remarks and social media posts, also taking aim at her Somali nationality.

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What they’re saying

“ICE cannot be reformed, it cannot be rehabilitated, we must abolish ICE for good, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment.”

— Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative

“I learned at a young age, you don't give in to threats. You look them in the face and you stand strong.”

— Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative

“Ilhan Omar is garbage. She's garbage. Her friends are garbage.”

— Donald Trump (Cabinet meeting in December)

What’s next

Forensic scientists are gathering evidence at the scene, and Minneapolis police are continuing their investigation into the incident. The U.S. Capitol Police will likely review their security protocols and threat assessment procedures in light of the increasing number of cases against members of Congress.

The takeaway

This attack on Congresswoman Omar underscores the growing threats and hostility faced by lawmakers, especially those who have been outspoken critics of the Trump administration's policies. It highlights the need for enhanced security measures and a renewed commitment to civil discourse, even in the face of political disagreements.