The Liquid Sprayed on Ilhan Omar Has Been Identified

Hazmat crews have now confirmed the substance that was sprayed on Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-5) during a town hall event Tuesday evening—and you might have some of it in your cupboard right now.

Deputy Managing Editor for RedState, Susie Moore, initially reported on the incident, in which a man later identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak stormed the podium and sprayed Omar with a foul-smelling liquid from a syringe.

"I don't know how the incident involving Ilhan Omar on Tuesday evening will ultimately shake out, but no matter how you slice it, what happened was dumb," Moore wrote. "Don't be dumb."

Well, things have seemingly gotten dumber.

Officials have now confirmed the substance used was apple cider vinegar, according to reports — a non-toxic but notoriously pungent household item.

The update was first reported by Alpha News Senior Reporter Liz Collin in a post on social media.

🚨BREAKING: Sources tell me it was apple cider vinegar that Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with at last night’s event and that a hazmat team has confirmed that.
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) January 28, 2026

Who Attacked Ilhan Omar? What We Know So Far

Initial reports suggested that the substance triggered vomiting in at least one person—Minneapolis Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw—who was hit by the splash-back. The overwhelming odor appeared to have triggered a reaction in Ms. Vetaw.

"It started out smelling really like apple cider vinegar-smelly," she told the New York Post. "Then it started to smell like ammonia, like a strong, pure ammonia smell, I was wondering why the smell wasn’t going away.”

“I got sick to my stomach,” she added. “I went outside and threw up because, like, the smell was so strong.”

Vetaw issued a statement after the incident, saying it was "an act of violence" but vowed to carry on in her duties.

"Violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy. Political disagreement must never escalate into physical harm. Town halls are meant to be spaces for dialogue, not danger," she said. "I strongly condemn this act and any attempt to threaten or silence elected officials, staff, or residents."

Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw was standing right next to Congresswoman Omar when Omar was attacked last night with a liquid substance. Vetaw says she was also hit with the substance. She talks to Erin Burnett live tonight at 7pm ET, on OutFront. pic.twitter.com/ljW4rH6ZqW
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) January 28, 2026

Kazmierczak's stunt occurred as Omar was criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and calling for the abolition of ICE. The congresswoman was left doused but unharmed. She refused medical treatment and continued her remarks after briefly confronting the suspect.

"We will continue — these f---ing a---holes are not going to get away with this," she shouted following the attack, while others urged her to get checked by medical professionals.

"Here is 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 at us," the lawmaker told her supporters.

Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar was thrown at her.

The man has since been charged with third-degree assault.

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