Assailant Arrested After Spraying Minnesota Democrat With Unknown Substance Following Immigration Remarks
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 8:45 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,
MINNEAPOLIS, MN.- A politically charged town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday night descended into chaos when a man was arrested after spraying an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The incident unfolded shortly after Omar delivered sharply worded remarks calling for sweeping changes to federal immigration enforcement, including the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The event, held at a Minneapolis community center and attended by dozens of constituents, had barely begun when the suspect emerged from the audience and discharged a liquid substance toward the congresswoman. Witnesses described the substance as having a sharp, vinegarlike odor. Security personnel and attendees quickly intervened, restraining the man as law enforcement officers already present at the venue took him into custody.
Minneapolis police later identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak. Authorities confirmed he was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault. Investigators stated that forensic teams were dispatched to analyze the substance involved, though no serious injuries were reported, and Omar did not require medical treatment.
According to law enforcement officials, officers witnessed the incident in real time and acted immediately. The town hall was briefly paused while the area was secured, and the suspect was removed from the building.
Moments before the attack, Omar had been speaking forcefully on immigration policy, asserting that ICE was “beyond reform” and urging the Biden administration to remove Secretary Noem from her post. Omar has been one of Congress’s most outspoken critics of federal immigration enforcement, frequently characterizing ICE operations as harmful to immigrant and refugee communities, particularly within Minnesota’s Somali-American population.
Despite the disruption, Omar returned to the stage and continued the town hall for approximately 30 additional minutes, drawing applause from supporters. In a statement later posted to social media, she said the incident would not deter her from her work, describing herself as a “survivor” and vowing to remain visible and engaged with constituents.
Political leaders from both parties swiftly condemned the attack. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the incident “unacceptable,” while state and federal officials reiterated that violence and intimidation have no place in civic discourse. The incident comes amid rising concerns nationwide over threats against public officials during public appearances.
The confrontation also occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in Minnesota surrounding federal immigration operations, including recent enforcement initiatives that have drawn criticism from progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups. Omar has repeatedly linked these operations to what she describes as broader systemic failures within the Department of Homeland Security.
In recent weeks, Omar has also faced intensified scrutiny unrelated to her legislative agenda. Newly released financial disclosure filings indicate a dramatic increase in reported household assets for Omar and her husband, with estimates placing their combined net worth in the tens of millions of dollars, a substantial rise compared to prior years.
The disclosures have prompted renewed calls from political opponents and ethics watchdogs for greater transparency regarding the source and timing of the wealth increase. Critics argue that the magnitude of the reported gains warrants closer examination, while Omar’s office maintains that the changes reflect legitimate valuations tied to her husband’s private business ventures and are fully compliant with congressional disclosure requirements.
Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump have publicly urged congressional and federal authorities to review the filings. Omar has dismissed those calls as politically motivated, characterizing them as an attempt to divert attention from policy disagreements and her advocacy work.
As the investigation into Tuesday night’s assault continues, the episode underscores the increasingly volatile environment surrounding public political engagement. It also highlights the intersection of heightened rhetoric, personal security concerns, and ongoing ethical scrutiny that continues to surround one of Congress’s most polarizing figures.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, for Englebrook Independent News, and is based on verified law-enforcement statements, eyewitness accounts, official disclosures, and corroborated national reporting available as of publication time. Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor developments related to the investigation and any additional disclosures, and will update this report as new, independently verified information becomes available.
