AOC points finger at Trump, JD Vance after Ilhan Omar attacked with unknown substance at town hall

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined a chorus of Democrats who took to social media after Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn) was attacked during a town hall event in Minneapolis.

Omar was attacked with an unknown substance while hosting the event after an audience member used a syringe to spray liquid at her, according to Minneapolis police.

The Minnesota congresswoman was not injured and continued speaking. The suspect was immediately arrested, and police said forensic testing was underway at the scene.

Video from inside the room showed members of Omar’s team shouting “make a hole” as they wrestled the man out of the crowd.

As he was pushed out, the man claimed Omar was “pitting us against each other,” though it was not immediately clear who or what he was referring to. A BBC journalist in attendance said the liquid sprayed on Omar had a sour smell similar to a chemical product.

Ilhan Omar unharmed after syringe attack at town hall

In a statement shared on X, Omar’s office confirmed that during the congresswoman’s town hall in North Minneapolis, “an agitator tried to attack [her] 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.

Omar reiterated that message in her own post following the incident. “I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win,” she declared.

She also thanked supporters who rallied behind her, saying she was “grateful” for her “incredible constituents,” and adding, “Minnesota strong.”

Lawmakers denounce attack amid rising political tensions

While Ilhan Omar appeared unfazed, lawmakers in Washington were quick to condemn the incident, with some placing blame on heated political rhetoric across the country.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez singled out President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in a post on X.

“It is not a coincidence that after days of President Trump and VP Vance putting Rep Omar in their crosshairs with slanderous public attacks, she gets assaulted at her town hall,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “Thank God she is okay. If they want leaders to take down the temp, they need to look in the mirror.”

Minnesota Gov Tim Walz said the state had endured too much political violence.

“I’m glad that Congresswoman Omar is safe. Our state has been shattered by political violence in the last year. The cruel, inflammatory, dehumanizing rhetoric by our nation’s leaders needs to stop immediately,” Walz said.

Rep Nancy Mace (R-SC) condemned the attack as well, despite her disagreements with Omar. “Regardless of how vehemently I disagree with her rhetoric – and I do – no elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are,” Mace said.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised law enforcement for their response, but warned such behavior would not be tolerated. 

“Unacceptable. Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis. We can disagree without putting people at risk,” Frey wrote.