Omar was not injured and continued her remarks after a brief pause. A Minneapolis police statement confirmed, “Representative Omar was uninjured and resumed speaking at the event.”
Officials said the substance had a noticeable odor, and forensic teams were called in to investigate. No serious reactions were reported among attendees.
Eyewitnesses reported confusion at the scene, with some noting the smell of the substance. Omar chose to remain at the podium and continue the town hall, emphasizing that the event would proceed despite the incident.
The town hall took place amid ongoing discussions in Minneapolis following recent events involving federal immigration agents. Omar later addressed reporters, saying she would not be intimidated by the incident.
Many observers praised the quick response of security and law enforcement in preventing further escalation. Some commentators and political figures also emphasized that all elected officials should be able to conduct public events without facing physical attacks.
Omar’s office issued a statement saying, “During her town hall, an individual attempted to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. The Congresswoman is okay and continued with her town hall.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
MOMENTS AGO: Major disturbance at Ilhan Omar's town hall event.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 28, 2026
Someone sprayed Omar with a substance as she was calling for Secretary Noem to resign or face impeachment.
She continued to speak afterward. pic.twitter.com/zZNWFVvyG5