A 55-year-old Minneapolis man was arrested after attacking Representative Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting, spraying her with an unknown liquid substance while shouting demands for her resignation.

Attack Unfolds During Immigration Discussion

Anthony James Kazmierczak interrupted Omar’s Tuesday evening town hall just moments after she called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Security footage shows Kazmierczak walking down the center aisle before lunging toward the congresswoman with what police described as a syringe containing liquid. Witnesses reported the substance had a strong, foul odor that filled the immediate area.

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.pic.twitter.com/2kNUqcnAb8

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 28, 2026

Minneapolis police officers on the scene immediately tackled the suspect and placed him under arrest. The Hennepin County Jail booked Kazmierczak on suspicion of third-degree assault, though formal charges have not yet been filed. Forensic scientists responded to analyze the unknown substance, while Omar refused medical attention and continued the town hall despite local leaders’ urging her to leave.

Criminal History and Background Details

Court records reveal Kazmierczak has multiple previous offenses dating back to 1989, including vehicle theft and two driving under the influence convictions in 2009 and 2010. Divorce documents from 2017 show he was unemployed and receiving approximately $40,000 annually in disability benefits. The suspect has been married and divorced twice, according to public records reviewed by investigators.

FAKE ATTACK: Something about this doesn’t add up. Do you agree ?

If someone randomly sprayed me with a substance, I’d be running to the nearest bathroom to wash my eyes and skin — or straight to the hospital.

Instead Ilhan Omar acted like it was nothing and continued her… pic.twitter.com/7TfLhbr6GI

— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) January 28, 2026

Political Context and Response

The attack occurred amid escalating political tensions, with President Trump making repeated public statements about Omar throughout the week. Capitol Police emphasized that federal partners are working to ensure the suspect faces maximum charges to deter similar violence. Omar, who immigrated from Somalia at age 12, told reporters afterward that she survived war and would not be intimidated by such attacks. Even Representative Nancy Mace, a frequent Omar critic, condemned the incident as deeply disturbing.