MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A 55-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after he reportedly used a syringe to spray Representative Ilhan Omar with an unknown liquid. The incident took place during a community meeting in Minneapolis.

According to police, the man approached Omar during her speech and demanded that she resign. Authorities say he then used a syringe to spray her with the liquid before security guards tackled him.

Suspect in Custody

Minneapolis police arrested the man at the scene and took him to the Hennepin County Jail. He is currently being held on suspicion of third-degree assault. Police have not yet identified the liquid found inside the syringe.

Representative Omar was not injured in the attack. At the time, she was discussing her efforts to end ICE, the federal immigration agency, and calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. After the disruption, Omar told the crowd she would not be intimidated and finished her speech.

The Minneapolis Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the attack together. Officials said the two agencies are working to decide on charges and help prevent further political violence.

Rising Threats Against Lawmakers

The assault in Minneapolis comes as a new report from the U.S. Capitol Police shows a sharp increase in threats against members of Congress. According to the report released Tuesday, the agency handled 14,938 threat investigations over the last year. This is a significant jump from the 9,474 cases recorded the year before.

This incident is the latest in a series of physical attacks on elected officials. On Friday, Jan. 23, Representative Maxwell Frost was reportedly assaulted during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Minnesota has also seen other instances of political violence, including the recent killings of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse.

The attack also occurred at a time of high political tension for the congresswoman. Earlier that day, former President Donald Trump criticized Omar during a campaign event in Iowa.

The investigation into Tuesday's incident is ongoing.