CHEMICAL Attack at Town Hall — Lawmaker Targeted

A 55-year-old man charged Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall and sprayed her with an unknown substance while she called for abolishing ICE, raising urgent questions about security for elected officials and the heated political climate surrounding immigration enforcement.

Story Snapshot

Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, arrested and charged with third-degree assault after spraying Omar with a vinegar-smelling substance during a town hall on January 27, 2026
Omar continued speaking for 25 minutes after the attack, refusing to let intimidation derail constituent engagement
The incident occurred amid Minneapolis tensions following two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents during Trump’s enforcement surge
President Trump responded skeptically, suggesting without evidence that Omar staged the attack herself
U.S. Capitol Police working to pursue the most serious charges possible as threats against lawmakers escalate

Attack During Call to Abolish ICE

Anthony Kazmierczak stood approximately five feet from Rep. Ilhan Omar during her Minneapolis North Side town hall and used a syringe to spray an unknown light-brown liquid directly at her. The substance emitted a strong vinegar or ammonia-like smell that permeated the room where roughly 100 constituents gathered. Security personnel immediately tackled and restrained Kazmierczak, who was arrested by Minneapolis police and charged with third-degree assault. The attack occurred precisely as Omar advocated for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanded the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, reflecting the volatile political environment surrounding immigration policy.

Security Response and Forensic Investigation

Heavy security measures were already in place at the town hall, including multiple squad cars stationed outside and metal detectors at the entrance, demonstrating awareness of potential threats. Despite these precautions, Kazmierczak managed to approach Omar closely enough to execute the attack. Forensic scientists responded to analyze the substance, which remains unidentified pending laboratory results. None of the approximately 100 attendees, including Minneapolis Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw and State Senator Bobby Joe Champion who were also exposed, experienced noticeable physical reactions. The U.S. Capitol Police announced they are working with federal partners to pursue the most serious charges possible, recognizing the broader threat to democratic processes when elected officials face violence.

Omar’s Defiant Response and Political Context

Omar demonstrated remarkable composure by continuing her town hall for approximately 25 minutes after the attack, telling reporters she felt “a little flustered but was not hurt.” Her office released a statement emphasizing she “doesn’t let bullies win,” and Omar herself declared she survived war and would certainly survive intimidation attempts. This resilience stands in stark contrast to concerns many lawmakers now express about holding public events. The incident occurred against the backdrop of two fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents by federal immigration agents in January 2026, including ICU nurse Alex Pretti and mother of three Renee Good, creating community outrage that Omar was addressing at the town hall.

Political Fallout and Security Concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack as “unacceptable,” stating violence and intimidation have no place in the city. Jaylani Hussein of the Council on American-Islamic Relations connected the incident to what he described as relentless anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric that makes violence predictable. President Trump responded with unfounded skepticism, suggesting Omar “probably had herself sprayed” without reviewing footage showing Kazmierczak’s clear assault. This dismissive response from the sitting president raises troubling questions about political leadership’s responsibility in maintaining civil discourse. The incident highlights legitimate security concerns for elected officials conducting constituent services, particularly those from minority communities who face disproportionate threats while fulfilling their constitutional duties to represent their districts.