Rep. Ilhan Omar’s heated “abolish ICE” rhetoric at a Minneapolis town hall erupted into violence when a pro-Trump attacker assaulted her moments later—part of a deepening clash over federal immigration raids that have left two American citizens dead and Minnesota communities in turmoil.
Story Snapshot
- Omar assaulted at town hall immediately after calling to abolish ICE; assailant with pro-Trump social media history arrested by FBI
- Two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents during Minneapolis ICE operations targeting Somali community
- Trump accuses Omar of staging attack while she blames his policies for American deaths during State of the Union outburst
- Threats against Congress up 57% since 2024 as federal-local standoff intensifies over immigration enforcement
Minneapolis Town Hall Erupts in Violence After Anti-ICE Remarks
Anthony Kazmierczak, a 55-year-old with a criminal history and documented pro-Trump social media posts, charged the podium at Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Minneapolis town hall on January 28, 2026, spraying her with liquid from a syringe before being tackled by security. The assault occurred moments after Omar demanded ICE be abolished during the community forum. The liquid tested non-toxic, and Omar sustained no injuries. FBI agents took over the investigation from Minneapolis police, with Kazmierczak jailed on suspicion of third-degree assault while federal prosecutors review potential charges. U.S. Capitol Police emphasized the need for “swift justice” to deter rising violence against lawmakers.
Two American Citizens Dead in Federal Immigration Raids
Federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis killed two U.S. citizens in recent weeks, including Alex Pretti, whose death galvanized local opposition to Trump administration policies. The shootings occurred amid escalating ICE crackdowns in Minnesota, home to the nation’s largest Somali community. Omar directly confronted President Trump during his January State of the Union address, shouting “You’ve killed Americans!” to link the deaths to his enforcement priorities. Local officials clashed with federal authorities over the raids, creating a sharp divide between Minneapolis leadership and the Trump administration. The circumstances surrounding the second victim remain unclear in available reports.
Trump Fires Back With Unsubstantiated Staging Claim
President Trump told ABC News on January 28 that Omar “probably had herself sprayed, knowing her” and called her “a fraud,” offering no evidence for the accusation. Video footage and Kazmierczak’s arrest contradict the staging theory, with investigators confirming the attack’s authenticity. Trump has intensified attacks on Omar since early 2026, previously calling her a “fake sleazebag” and demanding her deportation despite her U.S. citizenship. The escalating rhetoric mirrors their ongoing feud dating to 2019, when Trump supporters chanted “send her back” at rallies. Omar responded defiantly on social media: “Small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me,” and told reporters “fear and intimidation doesn’t work” on her.
Congressional Security Crisis Deepens Amid Political Violence Surge
Law enforcement investigated 14,938 threats against Congress members in 2025, a 57% increase from 9,474 in 2024, reflecting a disturbing normalization of political violence. The attack on Omar compounds concerns about lawmakers’ safety as inflammatory rhetoric from all sides fuels hostility. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is coordinating with federal investigators on potential charges against Kazmierczak, who faces both state assault and possible federal counts for attacking a member of Congress. The incident underscores how divided immigration policy has become—Trump supporters view ICE operations as necessary border security while progressives like Omar demand abolishing the agency entirely, leaving Minnesota communities caught in an increasingly volatile standoff between federal enforcement and local resistance.
Sources:
Trump Claims Congressmember Omar Staged Attack Against Herself – Democracy Now
Man Arrested in Attack on Ilhan Omar Has Criminal History, Made Pro-Trump Posts – ABC7
Fact Check Team During Trump’s SOTU: Affordability and High Bills Take Center Stage – CBS Austin
