The man was wrestled to the ground after targeting Omar (Image: AP)
A man targeted a Democratic US Rep at a town hall in Minneapolis and sprayed an unknown substance on her as tensions continue to rise. Tensions are high over federal immigration enforcement after agents fatally shot an intensive care nurse and mother of three this month.
The man was tackled to the ground after he made the attack on Ilhan Omar on Tuesday, January 27.
He was cheered on by the audience with one member commenting: “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her.” The man, who was wearing a black jacket and holding a syringe, was pinned down and had his arms tied behind his back.
Just before that Omar had called for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.“ICE cannot be reformed,” she said.
The man used a syringe to spray an unkown liquid at Omar, according to Minneapolis police. He was arrested immediately and taken to county jail for third-degree assault. Police also said forensic scientists responded to the scene.
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Omar said she would not be intimidated and continued the town hall after the man was ushered out of the room. According to reporters in the room there was a strong, vinegar-like smell after the man pushed the syringe.
On her exit she said she felt a little flustered but was not hurt. After a medical screening she posted on X: “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.”
The congresswoman has been frequently criticized by Trump as he brings his focus to Minneapolis and The White House did not immediately provide a comment on the matter on Tuesday.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., walks beside a photograph of Renee Good, the woman shot and killed in her (Image: AP)
The US President called Omar “garbage” at a Cabinet meeting last month. He also critiqued her earlier on Tuesday as he spoke in Iowa, saying his administration would only let in immigrants who “can show that they love our country.”
“They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar,” he said, drawing loud boos at the mention of her name. He added: “She comes from a country that’s a disaster. So probably, it’s considered, I think — it’s not even a country.”
Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican posted on X: “I am deeply disturbed to learn that Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall today. Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric — and I do — no elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are.”
Democrat and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob frey also denounced the attack, posting on the social media platform: “Unacceptable. Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis. We can disagree without putting people at risk.”
He added that he was relieved that Omar “is OK” and thanked police for their quick response, concluding: “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city.”
The man was taken away from the town hall (Image: AP)
The attack occurred just days after a man was arrested for allegedly punching US Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat from Florida, in the face at Utah Sundance Film Festival.
Attacks and threats against members of Congress have increased in recent years, peaking in 2021 and the aftermath of that year’s January 6 attack on the Capitol, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Capitol Police.
Some congressmen and women have said that the increase of threatening beahviour has inflicted their decisions not to seek reelection. Omar has long been targeted by harsh language also being victim to personal attacks by Trump and other Republicans.