Rep. Ilhan Omar sprayed by syringe, man tackled during townhall event on ICE operations

ICE in Minnesota: Ilhan Omar sprayed at north Minneapolis townhall

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was sprayed by an adult male at a north Minneapolis townhall Tuesday night after saying Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem must resign or face impeachment. After a few minutes to collect herself, Omar continued to speak.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a syringe full of liquid after being approached at the podium during a town hall meeting in north Minneapolis being held to update the public on current ICE operations.

Rep. Omar sprayed at town hall

What we know:

In her first in-person town hall meeting of 2026, Rep. Omar was joined in north Minneapolis by local and state officials to "provide an update on the work being done at the local, state, and federal levels to hold ICE accountable for their unlawful terrorization of Minnesota communities."

While she was speaking, Rep. Omar was approached by a man in the crowd, who appeared to spray some sort of liquid in her direction.

According to the Minneapolis Police Department, officers working at the event immediately arrested the man, who has since been booked into Hennepin County Jail for third-degree assault.

Rep. Omar townhall on ICE in Minnesota [FULL]

Rep. Ilhan Omar held a townhall gathering north Minneapolis to “provide an update on the work being done at the local, state, and federal levels to hold ICE accountable for their unlawful terrorization of Minnesota communities.” During which she was sprayed by some sort of liquid prior to him being tackled, and her continuing to talk. 

During the encounter, the man can be heard yelling in her direction, after she had just referenced the impeachment of DHS Secretary Krist Noem.

Rep. Omar insisted on continuing her speech, and the event, after he was taken away.

What they're saying:

The Office of Rep. Ilhan Omar issued the following statement following the incident:

"During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win."