“They Tried to Silence Me”: Ilhan Omar Survives Attack During Minneapolis Speech
MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar escaped unharmed after a man attempted to attack her during a public speech in Minneapolis, authorities and witnesses said.
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The confrontation unfolded as the Minnesota Democrat addressed a community gathering focused on recent developments in the state. Witnesses said a white male suspect rushed toward the stage holding a syringe-like device that appeared to contain an unidentified liquid and tried to spray it toward Omar’s face.
A member of Omar’s security detail intercepted the man within seconds, restraining him and moving him away from the congresswoman, according to attendees. The swift intervention prevented injuries but triggered brief panic among the audience before order was restored.
Minneapolis police said the suspect was taken into custody at the scene and remains under investigation. Authorities said they are testing the substance in the device and working to determine the suspect’s motive. No charges were immediately announced, and officials did not release the man’s identity.
Omar had been speaking about immigration enforcement when the incident occurred. She sharply criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over recent operations in Minnesota, alleging killings and human rights violations tied to enforcement actions. She called for accountability from senior officials and said she would pursue impeachment efforts in Congress if leadership failed to change course.
The episode adds to a pattern of harassment and threats Omar has reported since first taking office in 2019. A high-profile lawmaker and one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, she has frequently drawn intense scrutiny and online abuse over her policy positions and her advocacy for immigrant and minority communities.
Security for members of Congress has come under renewed focus in recent years amid a rise in threats against public officials. While authorities have not linked the suspect to any group, the apparent targeting of a sitting member of Congress at a public event is likely to intensify calls for stronger protections at open-door gatherings and town halls.
In a brief statement after the incident, Omar said she was safe and would continue her work, emphasizing that intimidation would not silence her or deter her advocacy on human rights and public safety.
Police asked anyone with video or additional information from the event to contact investigators as they assess the incident and explore potential charges. Separately, organizers said they were reviewing security protocols for future public forums.
Key points:
- Omar was not injured after a man rushed her with a syringe-like device, witnesses said.
- Security subdued the suspect, who is in custody as police test the substance and investigate motive.
- No charges had been announced as of late Tuesday, and the suspect’s identity was not released.
- The event focused on immigration enforcement; Omar alleged abuses by ICE and called for accountability.
- The incident is likely to stoke calls for enhanced security for members of Congress at public events.
Authorities did not provide a timeline for the investigation but said updates would be released as more information becomes available. Omar’s office said her schedule would continue as planned.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
