A man shouts at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying her, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 27, 2026, in a still image from video. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) — Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall meeting Tuesday night after a man sprayed her with an unidentified substance while she was delivering her opening remarks.
The incident occurred at a community center in north Minneapolis. Security officers immediately tackled the suspect to the ground and escorted him out of the room as attendees applauded.
Despite the attack, Omar refused to leave the stage and continued addressing the audience.
“I learned at a young age that you don’t give into threats,” she said.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed the suspect was arrested at the scene and booked into the county jail on a charge of third-degree assault. Police said forensic scientists responded to analyze the substance used.
In a statement released later, Omar said she was unharmed and would not be intimidated by the incident.
