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Ilhan Omar targeted at Minneapolis Town Hall by man spraying unknown substance
Ilhan Omar was assaulted during a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday
Rep. Ilhan Omar was assaulted during a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday (January 27).
While addressing the audience, Omar, age 43, advocated for dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and suggested the resignation or impeachment of the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
At the conclusion of her speech, a man from the front row suddenly leapt up and moved toward her, spraying her clothing with a syringe containing a strong-smelling, unknown substance.
The suspect was arrested and taken to Hennepin County Jail for suspected third-degree assault, according to police reports. Authorities identified him as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak.
Many in the audience expressed alarm, with one individual shouting, "He sprayed something," as depicted in the video.
Security acted quickly, subduing the man and removing him from the premises, as visuals from the event depict.
Omar’s security and staff offered to conclude the session, yet she persisted, asserting, "We will carry on. These malicious individuals will not succeed."
“Just give me 10 minutes. I beg you," she said in response to the staff requesting she get examined, the video showed. "Please don’t let them have the show."
“Here’s the truth individuals like this disgraceful man fail to grasp," Omar announced to the assembly. "We embody Minnesota's spirit of strength, and we will remain unyielding in the face of any challenge they present.”
Someone from the audience expressed gratitude to the congresswoman for staying and finishing her speech, as the New York Times noted.
“I was taught early on not to succumb to intimidation," Omar responded.
“This conduct is unacceptable in our city," remarked Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey following the event, according to The New York Times. "Violence and threats have no place in Minneapolis. We can have debates without endangering individuals.”
A man is subdued after attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar with a substance in Minneapolis on January 27.
Tensions have escalated in Minnesota since President Donald Trump's administration dispatched ICE and federal agents to the region.
Recently, two locals - 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti and 37-year-old mother of three Renee Good - lost their lives to federal agents, prompting protests across Minnesota and the nation.