Hazmat team reveals what liquid was sprayed on Ilhan Omar at Minneapolis town hall: Report

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: A hazmat investigation has revealed that the foul-smelling liquid sprayed on Rep Ilhan Omar during a chaotic town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, late Tuesday, January 27, was believed to be apple cider vinegar.

The incident occurred as Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota, was delivering remarks critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security leadership. According to Alpha News, a hazmat team confirmed that the syringe allegedly used by the suspect contained the vinegary substance. 

Witnesses described the liquid as brownish and foul-smelling

Authorities were called in immediately after the incident due to the unknown nature of the liquid, described by witnesses as brownish and foul-smelling. Forensic scientists processed the scene while a hazmat crew examined the substance.

Sources told Alpha News that the liquid was apple cider vinegar, a common household item, rather than a hazardous chemical. The syringe allegedly used by the suspect was also found to be filled with the same vinegary liquid, easing concerns about toxic exposure.

Rep Ilhan Omar (D-MN) speaks during a town hall meeting at the Urban League Twin Cities facility on January 27, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Getty Images)

Despite this, the smell alone caused distress among those nearby. Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, who was also hit by some of the liquid, described the odor as overwhelming.

“It smelled like vinegar or ammonia,” Vetaw told The Post. She said the scent intensified over time. “It started out smelling really like apple cider vinegar-smelly. Then it started to smell like ammonia, like a strong, pure ammonia smell. I was wondering why the smell wasn’t going away.”

Vetaw said the reaction was so strong that she became physically ill. “I got sick to my stomach,” she said. “I went outside and threw up because, like, the smell was so strong.”

Suspect allegedly stormed the stage during Ilhan Omar's anti-ICE remarks

The suspect was identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, who allegedly rushed the stage during Omar’s speech. Video footage shows Kazmierczak leaping from his front-row seat and charging toward the podium.

At the time, Omar was sharply criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and calling for ICE to be abolished. Moments later, the suspect allegedly sprayed the amber-colored liquid across Omar’s chest using a syringe.

Law enforcement officers inside the room quickly tackled Kazmierczak to the ground and placed him in handcuffs as the crowd looked on. The rapid response helped prevent further escalation as emergency crews assessed whether the substance posed a serious threat.

Ilhan Omar refuses medical treatment and continues speech

After being sprayed, Omar appeared visibly shaken but did not leave the venue. Footage captured her briefly lunging toward the alleged attacker with her fist raised before being restrained by those around her.

“I need a napkin,” Omar was heard asking a staffer as she wiped herself off.

The 43-year-old congresswoman declined medical treatment and chose to continue her remarks, drawing applause from parts of the audience. Officials later confirmed that she did not suffer physical injuries as a result of the incident. 

Kazmierczak was arrested and reportedly charged with third-degree assault. He is being held at the Hennepin County Jail.