Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked at a Minneapolis town hall when a man sprayed her with an unknown substance after she called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's resignation. The suspect was detained, and Omar, stating she is 'okay,' defiantly continued the event.
During a contentious Minneapolis town hall, Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by a man who was subsequently detained. The incident occurred shortly after Omar publicly called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the suspect's arrest and stated they would pursue 'the most serious charges possible.' Omar, who was born in war-torn Somalia, reacted defiantly, telling CNN, 'I've survived war and I'm definitely going to survive intimidation.' Her office confirmed she was 'okay' and completed the town hall. This attack unfolded amidst significant political turmoil in Minnesota, largely stemming from the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller acknowledged that agents involved in Pretti's death 'may not have been following protocol,' and a DHS internal review did not confirm Pretti brandished a gun, contradicting initial claims. The events have sparked widespread condemnation of political violence and calls for accountability. President Trump defended Secretary Noem, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded 'ALL of ICE out of Minnesota now' and vowed to oppose funding for DHS. Even some Republicans, including Senator Lisa Murkowski, joined calls for Noem's resignation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed relief for Omar's safety and decried inflammatory rhetoric, while Republican Representative Nancy Mace, despite past disagreements with Omar, also condemned the attack as 'deeply disturbed.'
