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Police arrested a man on Tuesday after he sprayed US Representative Ilhan Omar with liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis.
Omar was not injured and continued speaking after a short break. Security restrained the man immediately.
Police said the man was arrested on third-degree assault charges.
Incident During Discussion on Immigration Policies
Omar had been criticizing recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. She also called for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign over recent fatal shootings linked to immigration operations.
A man seated near the front walked toward Omar and sprayed her with liquid from an object described by police as a syringe. He told her to resign before security subdued him.
Omar Continues Event After Arrest
Omar resumed the event and told the audience she refused to stop the meeting. Her office later said she was fine.
A witness said the liquid smelled like ammonia and caused minor throat irritation. Police said forensic specialists were collecting evidence.
Rising Threats Against Lawmakers
The incident occurred as federal authorities report an increase in threats against members of Congress. US Capitol Police said threat assessment cases rose nearly 58 percent in 2025 compared to 2024.
Investigators reviewed 14,938 communications involving lawmakers, their families, staff, and the Capitol complex in 2025.
