Representative Ilhan Omar Targeted in Assault During Minneapolis Town Hall
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A man was taken into custody by Minneapolis police after spraying an unidentified liquid at US Representative Ilhan Omar during a town hall event Thursday evening. The incident underscores a climate of heightened political tension and escalating rhetoric surrounding immigration policy.
Representative Omar, a frequent and vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies, continued her speech following the attack, demonstrating remarkable resilience. “We will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw on us,” she declared to the crowd, according to reports from her office.
Attack Follows Fiery Call to Abolish ICE
The assault occurred immediately after Representative Omar delivered a passionate call to dismantle Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “ICE cannot be reformed, it cannot be rehabilitated. We must abolish ICE for good,” she stated, a sentiment met with enthusiastic applause. She also demanded the resignation or impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Witnesses reported that a man jumped from the front row, made an unspecified remark, and then sprayed the congresswoman with a substance delivered via syringe. Security personnel quickly intervened, tackling the assailant and leading him away. Representative Omar briefly approached the attacker before returning to the podium.
Rising Unrest and Recent Violence
The incident takes place against a backdrop of growing unrest related to immigration enforcement. Two US citizens have been killed this month in Minneapolis amid a crackdown involving thousands of ICE agents, fueling concerns about escalating violence.
Earlier Thursday, President Trump criticized Representative Omar and her country of origin, Somalia, during a speech in Iowa. He characterized Somalia as “a disaster,” continuing a pattern of disparaging remarks directed at the congresswoman. According to data from the US think tank New America, President Trump has authorized 143 military strikes against Somalia during his second term, alongside a reduction in diplomatic and humanitarian aid.
Omar Defies Concerns, Continues Speech
Despite vocal concerns from her team, Representative Omar chose to continue her speech after the attack, reportedly uttering a few expletives before addressing the crowd. “Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand: We are Minnesota strong,” she asserted, reaffirming her commitment to her constituents and her principles.
The Minneapolis Police Department has confirmed the suspect is in custody and an investigation is underway to determine the nature of the liquid used in the assault. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly polarized political landscape and the potential for violence in the current climate.
