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Indian American leaders condemn attack on Ilhan Omar in Minnesota
Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance during a public event, prompting warnings that political rhetoric is putting elected officials at risk.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 28, Jan 2026
- 14:21 EST
- 37
(Top L-R) Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal (Bottom L-R) Zohran Mamdanii, Shri Thanedar / File Photo
Indian American leaders condemned an attack on U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar after she was sprayed with an unknown substance during a public event in Minnesota.
Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) said the attack should be “unequivocally” condemned. “This is no longer about political debate. There are members of Congress who fear for their lives,” Khanna wrote, linking the incident to a broader climate of hostility.
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It is time @JDVance to not just condemn unequivocally the violent attack on @IlhanMN last night but to genuinely tone down the rhetoric targeting her. This is no longer about political debate. There are members of Congress who fear for their lives. https://t.co/2521IXQ5OX
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 28, 2026
Pointing to a series of social media posts by Vice President J.D. Vance, Khanna also urged Republican leader JD Vance to tone down his rhetoric targeting Omar.
Khanna pointed to a series of social media posts by Vance in which he accused Democrats of wanting “illegal aliens to vote in elections,” and quoted Omar in a post about immigration enforcement and voter rolls.
Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13) said the attack was the result of months of what he described as racist and dehumanizing rhetoric directed at Omar.
For months, you've been fanning the flames of violence against her with your racist rhetoric, lying about her supporting ISIS and calling for her deportation.
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) January 28, 2026
Instead of virtue signaling now, how about taking a long hard look in the mirror at what a rotten person you've become. https://t.co/RKFyH7an1T
“I’m disgusted that someone tried to attack my colleague, relieved that she’s OK, and sincerely admire her fearlessness in the face of physical danger,” Thanedar said.
He added that the incident was a “direct consequence” of sustained attacks on her, including false claims and repeated calls for her deportation.
Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) called Omar “a fighter for her district” and said she has “never been one to bow to a bully.” Jayapal said attacks like this are a predictable outcome of the constant political and personal targeting Omar faces, adding that while Omar will not back down, she “also deserves to safely do her job.”
My friend at @Ilhan is a fighter for her district and has never been one to bow to a bully.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 28, 2026
Attacks like this are a predictable outcome of the constant attacks she faces Trump and Republicans. I know she will not back down — and she also deserves to safely do her job. https://t.co/hNfsg0Lvx0
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the attack, calling it “disgusting” and saying he was relieved that Omar was not seriously harmed. He said she has repeatedly stood up to “ugly racism and intimidation” and that none of it will stop her from continuing her work for Minnesota.
The attack on @IlhanMN last night was disgusting and I am relieved that she is okay. Time and again, she has stood up to ugly racism & intimidation and none of it will ever stop her from fighting for MN.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) January 28, 2026
The attack took place during a town hall-style event in Minneapolis, where a man rushed toward the stage and sprayed Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District,with an unknown substance, according to police. Security personnel intervened and the suspect was taken into custody.
Authorities said Omar was not injured and was able to continue the event. After the incident, she said, “I’m a survivor, so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work,” adding that she does not let “bullies win.”
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the United States, particularly around immigration and election-related issues. Omar has for years been a frequent target of hostile political rhetoric.
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