‘I Won’t Let Bullies Prevail,’ Ilhan Omar Responds to Attack as Trump Promises to ‘De-escalate’ in Minneapolis – Live Update on US Politics | Minnesota ICE Shootings
‘I Don’t Let Bullies Win’: Ilhan Omar Responds After Attack at Minneapolis Town Hall
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While former President Donald Trump suggested he would “de-escalate” operations in the city, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday evening, where she was advocating for the permanent abolition of ICE.
A 55-year-old Minneapolis resident, identified as Anthony James Kazmierczak, lunged at Omar with a syringe and sprayed her with an unknown substance. Security quickly intervened, subduing him. Kazmierczak has since been charged with third-degree assault.
Omar responded to the attack by declaring, “Here’s the reality that people like this ugly man don’t understand: We are Minnesota strong. And we will stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw on us.”
Fortunately, she was not injured and later reassured her constituents via social media, saying, “I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me.”
Hours before the attack, Trump criticized Omar during a rally in Iowa, suggesting that his administration would only allow immigrants who demonstrate loyalty to the country. “They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar,” he remarked, prompting boos from the crowd.
He further claimed, “She comes from a country that’s a disaster. So probably, it’s considered—I think—it’s not even a country.” Omar, who fled civil war in Somalia as a child, has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to civic engagement and democracy in America.
The incident comes amid increasing tensions following the recent fatal shooting of VA nurse Alex Pretti by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis—the second such civilian death this month. In light of public outcry, the White House is now reviewing whether agents involved adhered to protocols designed to ensure safety during arrests.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller acknowledged that federal agents may have failed to follow “clear guidance” aimed at creating a buffer between arrest teams and protestors. However, the White House clarified that this guidance referred to general policies for immigration enforcement, not specifically related to the Pretti incident.
Trump assured, “We’re going to de-escalate a little bit,” emphasizing that this was not a “pullback.”
