Trump suggests lawmaker Ilhan Omar may have staged attack

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump suggested without evidence that Rep. Ilhan Omar may have staged an attack against herself after the Minnesota Democrat was assaulted during a town hall meeting.

Omar, a frequent critic of Trump, was sprayed with an unknown foul-smelling substance Tuesday night by a man during a public meeting in St. Paul, according to authorities.

Police arrested Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, and charged him with aggravated burglary, assault of an elected official and assault.

Omar continued the event after the incident, telling the audience she would not give in to threats.

Asked about the attack in an interview with ABC News, Trump dismissed concern for Omar’s safety and questioned the incident.

“I think she’s a fraud,” Trump said. “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”

A person is subdued after attempting to attack Democrat Ilhan Omar. (Photo by Brandon Bell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump said he did not want to watch video of the confrontation.

Omar later addressed the incident on social media, saying she was undeterred.

“I’ve survived war,” she wrote. “And I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think they can throw at me.”

“I don’t let bullies win,” she added.