Fact check: Are claims that Ilhan Omar knew the man who attacked her true?

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Rep Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a substance by a man who attacked her as she hosted a town hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The man was identified as Anthony Kazmierczak.

Following this, a rumor surfaced online claiming that Ilhan Omar already knew Anthony Kazmierczak and also accused her of staging the attack. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Ilhan Omar knew the man who attacked her

Several social media users shared a photo of Ilhan Omar along with a man who looked identical to Anthony Kazmierczak. The X users claimed in the caption that Omar already knew the man before the attack on Tuesday.

An X user wrote, "BREAKING. @IlhanMN @Ilhan OMAR AND ATTACKER WERE FRIENDS. SHE DID FAKE THIS TO GET PITY AHEAD OF HER BEING INVESTIGATED."

Similarly, another X account mentioned, "Turns out she and her attacker are best buds," whereas one added, "This is just too good, she is cooked. Carry On!" while sharing the picture of them.

Another person wrote, "You mean you need security from your own friends?"

Fact check: False, no credible evidence to back the claim

The claims made in the online posts are false, as there is no credible evidence at the time of filing this story to prove that Ilhan Omar knew the man who attacked her on January 27. 

There has been no official report or post by any credible source to prove that the Democratic Rep knew Anthony Kazmierczak, or that they were friends. 

Moreover, searches on search engines, such as Google or Bing, showed no reports from any reputable media house that would prove the claim to be true. 

Furthermore, there is no proof that the person who is seen in the picture along with Omar is the same person who attacked her in Minneapolis. Despite the resemblance, there is no clear evidence to prove that he is Kazmierczak.

Anthony Kazmierczak has a documented criminal history, has posted pro-Trump content online, and reportedly hinted to a neighbor that he might get arrested at the event before attacking Omar.

Additionally, the claim that the attack was staged also lacks substantial proof.

Ilhan Omar says ‘intimidation’ won’t silence her after spray incident

Ilhan Omar said that "fear and intimidation don't work on me," affirming that she would continue her work despite threats at the Karmel Mall on Wednesday, January 28. 

As per Fox News 9, the Minnesota lawmaker was asked whether Tuesday night’s incident might spark fear about attending future public events. She responded firmly and said that threats and 'intimidation' will not deter her from public service. 

"I think my presence here should tell you that fear and intimidation don’t work on me. The president’s rhetoric, the attacks from him since I’ve gotten into public office has always been to stop me from being in public service. To intimidate me, to make me want to quit, and my only message is it hasn’t worked thus far, and it’s not going to work in the future," Omar said.