Minnesota, Jan 28 (NationPress) Ilhan Omar, a US lawmaker of Somali descent, was subjected to an attack when an unknown substance was sprayed on her during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising significant security alarms.

A video purportedly capturing the incident emerged on social media shortly after the attack on Tuesday (local time) and quickly gained traction online.

The footage depicts a man approaching Omar while she spoke to the audience from the podium.

Seconds later, he is seen directing a thin stream of an unidentified liquid straight onto her face before being subdued.

In the wake of the incident, the Democratic Representative from Minnesota took to X, stating, “I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.”

At the moment of the attack, Omar was discussing the recent killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

Pretti was fatally shot by a US Border Patrol agent on January 24 while protesting against federal operations in the state.

The response to the case by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has faced severe backlash, with numerous calls for her resignation.

Omar has publicly demanded that Noem resign or face impeachment. The assault on the lawmaker transpired shortly after these comments, and videos of the event went viral.

While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, Omar appeared unscathed and insisted on continuing her speech following the incident, as reported by attendees.

Minneapolis police confirmed that officers present witnessed a man using a syringe to spray an unknown liquid at Omar.

The suspect was swiftly arrested and booked into the county jail on charges of third-degree assault, according to local media reports citing police officials.

Authorities also stated that forensic scientists were summoned to analyze the substance involved in the attack.

This incident occurs amid escalating political tensions, as President Donald Trump has frequently criticized Omar and intensified verbal attacks against her in recent months, particularly concerning Minneapolis.

During a Cabinet meeting in December, Trump labeled Omar as “garbage” and claimed that “her friends are garbage” as well.

Earlier that day, the President again targeted Omar while speaking to a crowd in Iowa, asserting that his administration would only permit immigrants who “can show that they love our country.”

“They have to be proud, not like Ilhan Omar,” he said, eliciting loud boos from the audience upon mentioning her name.

“She comes from a country that's a disaster. So probably, it's considered, I think -- it's not even a country,” Trump continued his criticism of the Minnesota lawmaker.