Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) speaks as she joins activists and fellow politicians in calling for an assault weapons ban during a press conference at City Hall regarding the Annunciation Church shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 28, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Ilhan Omar responded forcefully to critics after facing backlash for declining medical attention following an incident in which she was sprayed with an unidentified substance during a town hall in Minneapolis.
Omar said she made a conscious decision not to seek treatment, explaining that she did not want the focus to shift away from the event itself or allow the attacker to disrupt her work. In remarks addressing the criticism, she emphasized that maintaining her dignity was more important to her than giving oxygen to fear or intimidation.
“I didn’t do those things because I fear losing my dignity more than my life,” Omar said, adding a blunt message to critics who questioned her decision. Despite the incident, Omar continued the town hall and thanked supporters for standing with her, reiterating that she would not be deterred from engaging directly with constituents.
