U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked on Tuesday during a town hall meeting she was hosting in Minneapolis.
According to the Associated Press, a man armed with a syringe sprayed an unknown substance at the Democratic congresswoman.
Security officers and police quickly responded as the incident unfolded amid rising tensions in the city over federal immigration enforcement.
The suspect was immediately tackled by attendees and security personnel, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Video footage obtained by NBC News and seen by The News Chronicle early Wednesday showed the man wearing a black jacket and holding a syringe as he was pinned to the ground with his hands tied behind his back.
The video revealed that the suspect had been sitting in the front row listening to Omar before suddenly standing up and spraying the substance at the unsuspecting American-Somali lawmaker.
In the background of the footage, someone can be heard shouting, “Oh my God, he sprayed something on her.”
The disruption happened shortly after Omar strongly criticised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“ICE cannot be reformed,” she said.
Minneapolis police confirmed that officers saw the man spray an unknown liquid at the congresswoman using a syringe.
He was arrested at the scene and later booked into the county jail on suspicion of third-degree assault, police spokesperson Trevor Folke said in an email. Forensic scientists were also called to the scene.
Despite the attack, Omar returned to the town hall after the suspect was removed by her security team, telling attendees she would not be intimidated.
Journalists present reported a strong, vinegar-like smell coming from the syringe. After the event, Omar said she was shaken but not injured and would undergo medical screening as a precaution.
She later addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.”
As of Tuesday night, the White House had not responded to requests for comment, AP reported.
The attack comes amid heightened political tension in Minneapolis over immigration enforcement, following the fatal shooting earlier this month of an intensive care nurse and mother of three by federal agents.
President Donald Trump has frequently criticised Omar and intensified his attacks in recent months. During a Cabinet meeting in December, Trump referred to the congresswoman as “garbage” and said “her friends are garbage.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump again criticised Omar while speaking in Iowa, saying his administration would only admit immigrants who “can show that they love our country.”
“They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar,” he said, prompting loud boos.
The attack was widely condemned by leaders from both parties. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina called the incident disturbing, saying that regardless of political disagreements, “no elected official should face physical attacks.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also denounced the assault, calling it unacceptable.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis. We can disagree without putting people at risk,” he said.
