Muslim-American congresswoman Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown liquid in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota (Web Desk): US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American woman in hijab to serve in Congress, was confronted by an attack during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday.

She was addressing local residents on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and the Department of Homeland Security when the incident occurred.

Just moments before the disruption, Omar, who has endured near-daily criticism from President Donald Trump, had urged for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment.

According to reports, an unidentified man suddenly rushed toward the podium and seemed to spray her with a clear liquid.

Security personnel immediately intervened, tackling and restraining the man. Omar appeared shaken by the encounter but was not physically harmed. It was not immediately known what the man was shouting as he was removed from the room, nor what substance had been used.

Despite the commotion, Omar returned to the podium and continued speaking, even as some people nearby urged her to leave the room to be checked. One attendee remarked that the liquid smelled “so bad.”

“We’re going to keep talking. Please, don’t let them have the show,” Omar said.

“Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand — we are Minnesota strong, and we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us,” she added.

“Everybody settle down. Gonna finish my remarks,” Omar continued, adding: “It is important for me to continue to lead my Democratic colleagues in demanding her (Noem’s) resignation.”

In a statement, Omar’s office said that “an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe.”

“Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win,” the statement added.

The assault took place just hours after President Trump criticized Omar during an event in Iowa, making disparaging remarks about Somalia, describing it as a “disaster.” Trump has repeatedly targeted Omar in recent months, once calling her “garbage” while referring to Somali immigrants.

Omar, who arrived in the US as a refugee from Somalia and later became a US citizen, has condemned Trump’s remarks in the past, accusing him of having a “creepy” obsession with her.

It is pertinent to mention that Ilhan Omar also visited Pakistan in April 2022.