MINNEAPOLIS: Police arrested a man after he sprayed US Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar with a foul-smelling liquid during a public town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, moments after she sharply criticised US immigration authorities.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the suspect approached the lawmaker from the front row and sprayed a liquid believed to be from a syringe, shouting at her to resign. A security guard immediately restrained the man and handed him over to police, who booked him on charges of third-degree assault.
Representative Omar was not injured and continued her address after a brief pause, declining medical assistance. Her office later confirmed she was in good health.
The incident occurred as Omar was condemning the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling for the abolition of ICE and demanding Noem’s resignation following recent deadly incidents linked to immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.
Witnesses said the liquid emitted a strong ammonia-like smell and caused mild throat irritation. Forensic teams collected evidence from the scene.
Omar told the audience she would not be intimidated, stressing that threats would not silence her.
The lawmaker has frequently been targeted by former president Donald Trump in public statements and online posts.
Meanwhile, US Capitol Police reported a sharp rise in threats against members of Congress in 2025, with nearly 15,000 cases investigated — a significant increase compared to last year.