A tense scene unfolded Tuesday at a Minneapolis town hall when a man sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and was immediately tackled and detained by security. The incident occurred as Omar spoke about federal immigration enforcement amid a wave of local protests following the recent killings of two residents by ICE agents.
The crowd of about 100 people cheered as the 55-year-old man, later identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, was pinned to the ground and his arms tied behind his back. Video footage from the event captured someone in the audience exclaiming, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her.” Minneapolis police said the man used a syringe to release a light-brown liquid and was arrested on the spot for third-degree assault. Forensic teams responded to the scene, though no one in the crowd showed noticeable physical reactions.
Just moments before the attack, Omar had called for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanded that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem resign, citing the recent deaths of two Minneapolis residents in immigration enforcement operations.
Despite the scare, Omar continued her town hall for another 25 minutes, telling the audience she would not be intimidated. “I’m ok. I’m a survivor, so this small agitator isn’t going to stop me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win,” she later posted on X.
The attack drew swift condemnation from officials across the political spectrum. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, “Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately.” U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, added, “No elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the assault “unacceptable” and thanked police for their quick response.
Omar’s town hall was her first in-person event of 2026 and came amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis area. The city has been reeling from the recent deaths of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and mother of three Renee Good, both killed by federal immigration officials during the ongoing enforcement surge.
The attack also highlights growing security concerns for lawmakers nationwide. According to U.S. Capitol Police, threats against members of Congress have increased steadily since 2021, with nearly 15,000 “concerning statements, behaviors, and communications” reported last year alone.
Despite the incident, Omar emphasized resilience and determination. “We are Minnesota strong. We will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,” she told the crowd.
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