Tensions rise in Minneapolis as Rep. Ilhan Omar confronted at town hall
Political tensions in Minneapolis escalated overnight after Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was confronted at a town hall meeting by a man who attempted to spray her with an unknown substance before being dragged out and arrested.
(NBC)- Political tensions in Minneapolis escalated overnight after Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was confronted at a town hall meeting by a man who attempted to spray her with an unknown substance before being dragged out and arrested.
During the disruption, Omar remained composed, telling the audience, “We’re going to keep talking,” before the event continued.
The incident came just hours after President Donald Trump again criticized Omar, a frequent target of his rhetoric. In remarks made prior to the confrontation, Trump questioned Omar’s patriotism, saying immigrants should show pride in the country “not like Ilhan Omar.” Omar has repeatedly pushed back against those claims, stating she has an unwavering love for America.
Shortly before the town hall, Omar publicly called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Her call adds to a growing bipartisan chorus demanding accountability following two deadly shootings by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis within a three-week span.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she has lost confidence in Secretary Noem, citing disappointment in her leadership. President Trump, however, defended Noem, saying she has done “a very good job” and insisting the border is “totally secure.”
The president also said he supports a full investigation into the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents. When asked about early claims from administration officials labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” Trump said he had not heard that characterization but added Pretti should not have been carrying a gun.
Local officials have stated that Pretti was legally carrying his firearm.
According to preliminary details from an internal Customs and Border Protection review obtained by NBC News, two officers fired their weapons five seconds after an agent shouted that Pretti had a gun. The review also notes that one agent stated he had possession of Pretti’s gun after the shots were fired.
Meanwhile, political fallout continues to grow in Washington. At least 162 House Democrats are now backing an effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Noem. Lawmakers are also locked in a funding battle that could lead to a partial government shutdown at the end of the week, with Democrats demanding changes to immigration enforcement operations.
