Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar Receives House Republican Support Following Town Hall Attack

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, House Republicans have joined their Democratic colleagues in condemning an attack on progressive “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred shortly after Omar’s town hall began when a man confronted the Minnesota Democrat and sprayed an unknown substance on her before being quickly subdued by security personnel. Despite the attack, Omar refused to end the event and continued until its scheduled conclusion.

“This is totally unacceptable. I am glad Rep. Omar is okay,” wrote Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican representing Minnesota, on social media platform X. His sentiment was echoed by lawmakers across the political spectrum, highlighting a moment of unity amid increasingly polarized political discourse.

Rep. Nathaniel Moran, a Texas Republican, emphasized that differences in political views never justify violence. “Those who resort to violence to make a political point should understand that such actions only undermine the very rights that form the foundation of our Republic,” Moran stated.

The attack comes amid growing concerns about political violence targeting elected officials. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., noted the disturbing trend in his statement: “This attack is the latest of thousands of acts and threats of violence directed against Congress over the past year, resulting in a 57% increase just since 2024.”

Moderate Republican Don Bacon of Nebraska similarly condemned the attack, stating that while Americans have the right to free speech and to petition their government, “political violence must be dealt with sternly. The criminal here needs to spend some time behind bars.”

Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican who has frequently been at odds with Omar’s progressive policies, also spoke out. “While I deeply disagree with Rep. Omar on policy, I am deeply disturbed by the attack on her,” Mace said. “No elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are.”

Omar’s office later released a statement confirming her well-being. “During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe,” the statement read. “Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win.”

The suspect has been arrested and charged with third-degree assault, according to reports.

While Republicans and Democrats alike condemned the violence, the incident quickly became politicized by some. Several Democratic lawmakers attributed the attack to what they described as inflammatory rhetoric from Republican leaders, including President Donald Trump.

Rep. Rob Menendez, D-N.J., claimed that “Trump’s hateful, dangerous rhetoric fuels this kind of political violence,” while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., another “Squad” member, suggested the timing was connected to recent criticisms of Omar from the administration.

The attack on Omar is part of a troubling pattern of increasing threats and violence directed at members of Congress in recent years. Security concerns for lawmakers have grown substantially, especially following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice that seriously injured Rep. Steve Scalise.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned about the potential for political violence amid heightened partisan tensions. The bipartisan response to this incident demonstrates that despite deep policy disagreements, there remains consensus that violence has no place in American political discourse.