Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar faced an unexpected attack during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on January 28, 2026. An unidentified man sprayed her with a substance before audiences intervened, subduing him. Despite this alarming incident, Omar was not physically harmed.
Incident Overview
The attack unfolded on a Tuesday, with witnesses reporting that the audience reacted swiftly to the threat. The assailant was successfully tackled to the ground, and a video captured a moment where a voice exclaimed, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her,” as chaos erupted in the room.
The Response
- The man was immobilized, with his arms restrained after he sprayed Omar.
- Despite the disruption, Omar resumed the town hall meeting post-incident.
- Authorities have yet to determine the nature of the substance used in the attack.
After the altercation, Omar continued advocating for her political positions. Just prior to the attack, she was discussing her controversial stance on immigration policy, specifically calling for the abolishment of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Omar stated, “ICE cannot be reformed,” during her speech.
Political Context
This attack occurred amidst rising tensions about immigration issues, especially following the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The timing highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration reform debates in the U.S.
Official Reactions
Minneapolis police did not provide immediate comments regarding the incident or whether the attacker had been arrested. Additionally, the White House has not yet responded to inquiries concerning the attack.
This situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as more information becomes available. El-Balad will continue to cover developments related to this breaking news story.
