US Rep Ilhan Omar sprayed with unknown substance at Minneapolis town hall

Minneapolis: US Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked with an unknown substance during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, triggering immediate security concerns. Video footage circulating on social media shows a man approaching the dais while Omar was addressing the gathering, before spraying a thin stream of liquid directly onto her face using a syringe. The lawmaker appeared unharmed and insisted on continuing her work following the assault.

The suspect was immediately restrained by attendees and security personnel. Minneapolis police confirmed that officers at the scene witnessed the assault and took the individual into custody, booking him into the county jail on charges of third-degree assault. Following the incident, the Democratic lawmaker took to X to reassure the public, stating, “I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win.” Forensic scientists have been deployed to examine the chemical composition of the liquid used in the attack.

The incident occurred while Omar was addressing the recent killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot dead by a US Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24 while protesting federal operations. The handling of the case by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has drawn widespread criticism. Omar had publicly demanded Noem’s resignation or impeachment shortly before the town hall, a stance that has intensified political friction surrounding the case.

This attack takes place amid heightened political hostility, with President Donald Trump frequently targeting the Somali-origin lawmaker. Earlier in the day, Trump criticised Omar during a speech in Iowa, telling the crowd that his administration would only allow immigrants who "love our country," prompting boos at the mention of her name. He further disparaged her heritage, claiming she comes from a "disaster" of a country. These remarks follow comments made during a December Cabinet meeting where he referred to Omar and her political allies as "garbage."

(Inputs from IANS)