28.01.2026 10:06
Ilhan Omar, the Somali-born Democratic Congresswoman long targeted by President Trump, was attacked with spray while addressing the public. Omar managed to fend off the attack after an unknown liquid was sprayed on her face, and the assailant was quickly detained. In a statement following the attack, Trump said, "I think she's a fraud. From what I know of her, she probably had herself sprayed with pepper spray."
Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born Democratic member of the House of Representatives, was attacked by an individual while addressing the public in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
SPRAY ATTACK According to The Hill, Omar was attacked with spray while criticizing the interventions of the Department of Homeland Security during ongoing protests against U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies in Minneapolis.
ATTACKER ARRESTED In a later statement by the Minneapolis police regarding the identity of the person detained by security forces after the incident, it was stated that the attacker was 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak.
"THE TRUTH THAT PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND IS WE ARE STRONG" In an email sent to The Hill by a police spokesperson, it was confirmed that an individual sprayed an unknown liquid on Omar, stating, "Representative Omar was not injured and continued her speech at the event. Minneapolis forensic teams arrived to examine the scene." Continuing her speech after the incident, Omar said, "The truth that ugly people like this man do not understand is that we are strong as Minnesota, and no matter what they throw at us, we will remain resilient."
"I WILL NOT ALLOW BULLIES TO WIN" On the other hand, Omar shared on the social media platform account of the U.S.-based company X, "I am fine. I survived, so this little provocateur cannot stop me from doing my job. I will not allow bullies to win. I am grateful to my incredible voters who support me. Minnesota is strong."
TRUMP: I THINK SHE IS A FRAUD While the attack resonated widely in the public, U.S. President Trump was asked whether he had seen the video of pepper spray being used on Ilhan Omar. Trump replied, "No. I don't think about her. I think she is a fraud. I really don't think that. From what I know of her, she probably sprayed herself with pepper spray."
Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born Democratic member of the House of Representatives. TRUMP HAD MADE INSULTS Trump, who described Somali-born Democratic member Omar as "incompetent, terrible, and trash," claimed that Somali immigrants living in the U.S. had "ruined" the state of Minnesota. Trump also stated that Omar should be "removed from the country." Omar, in a post on her social media account, had said, "My message to Trump: Hate-filled rhetoric will not work. Somali Americans will stay here."