The substance a man allegedly sprayed at US Representative Ilhan Omar during a town hall event in Minneapolis has now been revealed by authorities.
Officials say the liquid used in the incident was believed to be apple cider vinegar, a common household substance. While not considered dangerous in itself, the sudden attack caused alarm among attendees and prompted an emergency response at the venue.
The incident took place on Tuesday night as Omar was speaking about immigration enforcement and criticising the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Video footage from the event shows a man moving quickly towards the front of the room before spraying a liquid across Omar’s chest using what appeared to be a large syringe.
Security and police officers immediately intervened, tackling the man to the ground within seconds and removing him from the room. He was later taken into custody and booked on suspicion of third-degree assault.
Witnesses described a strong, vinegar-like smell following the spray, which led to concerns that the substance could be harmful. As a precaution, a hazmat crew was called to assess the scene and examine the liquid. Authorities later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
Despite the shock of the incident, Omar declined medical treatment and returned to the stage shortly afterwards. Addressing the crowd, she said she was uninjured and would not allow intimidation to disrupt her work or silence her views. The audience responded with applause as she continued the town hall.
The event took place amid heightened political tensions in Minnesota, where recent immigration enforcement operations have sparked protests and strong public reaction. Omar has been a vocal critic of ICE, and the town hall focused heavily on immigration policy and accountability.
Political leaders across the state condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and praising the swift response of security and law enforcement. Several lawmakers stressed that political disagreements should never escalate into physical actions.
Details about the alleged attacker have since emerged, with authorities confirming he remains in custody while the investigation continues. Police are still reviewing his motivations and whether any further charges will be brought.
While the revelation that the substance was apple cider vinegar has eased concerns about physical harm, the incident has renewed wider discussions about the safety of public officials and the increasingly tense atmosphere surrounding political events in the United States.
In recent years, threats and confrontations involving elected officials have risen sharply, prompting calls for stronger protections at public meetings while maintaining access for constituents. The Minneapolis incident is the latest example of how political debate is increasingly spilling into real-world confrontations.