MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Justice Department has formally charged a man identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, who is accused of assaulting Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar by squirting her with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water during a public event in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and court documents detailing the charges were made public on Thursday.
Kazmierczak is facing a federal charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding, and intimidating Representative Omar, as outlined in a complaint filed in federal court. An affidavit indicated that after spraying Omar, Kazmierczak expressed, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart.” Furthermore, authorities noted that Kazmierczak had previously made threatening statements about Omar, including remarks made to an associate that “somebody should kill” her.
During a brief appearance in federal court, Kazmierczak’s attorney, Jean Brandl, informed the judge that her client was not receiving his prescribed medications for Parkinson's disease and other serious health conditions at the time of the incident. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ordered that Kazmierczak remain in custody and emphasized the need for him to see a nurse during his transfer to Sherburne County Jail. He is also facing state charges in Hennepin County related to terroristic threats and fifth-degree assault.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty described the assault as “disturbing,” highlighting Omar's experience as a target of vilifying rhetoric from political figures and the public. This incident occurred amidst a tense political atmosphere in Minneapolis, where recent violent confrontations involving federal agents have raised concerns about safety and social divisions.
Kazmierczak’s background includes a criminal history that features a felony auto theft conviction in 1989, several DUI arrests, and multiple traffic citations, according to Minnesota court records. Social media posts reveal his support for former President Donald Trump and critical views of President Joe Biden, further illustrating his political leanings. He has previously made controversial statements on social media regarding sensitive topics such as reparations and immigration.
The climate of violence and threats against congressional representatives has intensified, especially following the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Current statistics from the U.S. Capitol Police indicate significant increases in threats made against members of Congress, with nearly 15,000 concerning instances recorded in 2025 alone.
Representative Omar, who is a prominent figure in the U.S. House and a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, attributed the escalation of threats against her to the inflammatory rhetoric used by political leaders, particularly Trump. Following the attack, Trump suggested that Omar may have staged the incident, an assertion she vehemently denied.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a notable Muslim civil rights organization, praised the federal charges against Kazmierczak, emphasizing the necessity of accountability in a dangerous societal climate that endangers both public representatives and the communities they serve. The organization's leadership articulated the importance of addressing and combating the dehumanization that can lead to such violent conduct.
The escalating pattern of threats against congresspersons signals a profound concern for public safety and the integrity of democratic processes in the United States, making accountability for those who commit acts of violence against elected officials a critical issue for law enforcement and the judicial system.
