The incident occurred on 27/1 as Representative Omar, who represents Minnesota's 5th congressional district and has been a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump, addressed constituents about stricter immigration enforcement policies. During the meeting, she voiced support for dissolving the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Police reports indicate that a man suddenly rushed towards the Somali-American congresswoman and sprayed an unknown substance on her. The suspect spoke to Omar while carrying out the act, though the content of his words has not been disclosed in reports.
Bystanders quickly subdued the man and handed him over to police. Several witnesses described the liquid sprayed on the congresswoman as having a very unpleasant odor. The meeting was briefly interrupted, but Representative Omar insisted on continuing the event.
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Suspect Anthony Kazmierczak rushed Representative Omar and sprayed a liquid on her on 27/1. Photo: USA Today
Minneapolis Police Department spokesperson Trevor Folke stated that Omar was not injured in the incident. The suspect was identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, and is being held at the Hennepin County jail on assault charges. City forensic experts were on scene to process the area and collect samples of the liquid for analysis.
Following the incident, Omar released a statement asserting she would not be intimidated. "This agitator will not deter me from doing my job. I will not let bullies win," she stated, also urging Minnesota residents to "be strong" amidst tensions surrounding immigration enforcement campaigns.
The attack occurred amid escalating tensions in Minnesota, following two consecutive incidents where federal agents fatally shot U.S. citizens: Alex Pretti, 37, on 24/1/2025, and Renee Nicole Good, 37, on 7/1/2025.
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The syringe containing the liquid used by the suspect to attack Representative Omar. Photo: USA Today
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed concern that his state had been "ravaged by political violence in the past year," and called on all parties to end cruel and inflammatory rhetoric. Senator Tina Smith, a Minnesota Democrat, praised Omar's decision to continue the meeting after being harassed as an example of "a spirit of service and patriotism."
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the attack. Minnesota chapter Director Jaylani Hussein stated the incident "did not happen spontaneously," but stemmed from Omar being consistently smeared with false anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric by officials in Washington recently.
CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad condemned the attack as an act threatening all Americans and the rule of law in the U.S.
By Thanh Danh (USA Today, AP)
