U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Sprayed at Town Hall
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar was sprayed with a liquid from a syringe during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday evening. An individual, identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, was immediately apprehended by security personnel and subsequently faced both state and federal charges. Representative Omar, who was uninjured, continued the event after the incident.
Incident Details
On Tuesday evening, during a town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) in Minneapolis, an individual approached the podium and sprayed a substance from a syringe toward her. Security personnel swiftly tackled and restrained the man, removing him from the venue. Audience members reportedly cheered as the man was apprehended.
Attendees noted a strong, unpleasant odor, described as vinegar-like, acrid, or sour, emanating from the substance. Photographs of the syringe, which fell during the apprehension, showed a brown liquid inside. Minneapolis police officers, who witnessed the man use the syringe, responded, and forensic scientists were called to the scene.
The Assailant: Anthony Kazmierczak
The individual arrested in connection with the incident was identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55.
Background and Statements
Upon his removal, Kazmierczak was heard stating that Representative Omar was "pitting us against each other." An affidavit later reported that after Omar's call for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's resignation, Kazmierczak appeared to say, "She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart." Court documents also include an allegation that Kazmierczak told an associate years prior that "Somebody should kill that b----" in reference to Omar.
Kazmierczak's criminal history includes a felony auto theft conviction in 1989, multiple arrests for driving under the influence, and numerous traffic citations, along with bankruptcy filings. Online posts attributed to him display support for former President Donald Trump and criticism of Democrats.
Legal and Medical Status
Kazmierczak was booked into Hennepin County Jail on charges including third-degree assault. During a federal court appearance, his attorney, Jean Brandl, stated that her client was unmedicated at the time of the incident and lacks access to necessary medications for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ordered Kazmierczak to remain in custody and instructed officials to ensure he sees a nurse upon transfer to Sherburne County Jail.
The Substance Identified
The liquid initially described as an "unknown substance" was later identified by Representative Omar's office and authorities as a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. Representative Omar reported that the liquid stained her clothes and potentially reached her face and right eye.
Representative Omar's Resilient Response
Representative Omar confirmed she was unharmed, though she reported feeling flustered and was scheduled for a medical screening.
Continuing the Event
Despite advice from local leaders and staff to leave the event, she declined and insisted on continuing the town hall. She stated,
"We will continue. These f------ a--holes are not going to get away with this."
She also told the room, "We're gonna keep talking. Just give me ten minutes. Please don't let them have the show."
Social Media and Personal Reflections
Following the event, she posted on social media platform X, stating,
"I'm ok. I'm a survivor so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong."
She also told reporters, "I survived war, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me, because I’m built that way."
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The Justice Department filed federal charges against Anthony Kazmierczak, alleging he "forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated an officer and employee of the United States" while Representative Omar was performing official duties.
In addition to the initial third-degree assault charge, Hennepin County filed state charges of terroristic threats and fifth-degree assault. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty commented that a state-level conviction would not be subject to a presidential pardon. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the federal charges as a step toward accountability.
Context of the Town Hall Event
The town hall, attended by approximately 100 people, was a regular event hosted by Representative Omar, focusing on the presence of federal immigration officials in the area. Discussions followed recent fatal shootings of American citizens by immigration officials in Minneapolis.
Minutes before the incident, Representative Omar had advocated for the abolishment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. This call followed criticism of Noem after federal officers were involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Broader Reactions and Trends in Threats Against Lawmakers
The incident drew condemnations from officials across the political spectrum.
Condemnations and Support
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated on social media that,
"Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis... This kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our city."
Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) stated she was "deeply disturbed" by the attack, emphasizing that "no elected official should face physical attacks." Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) affirmed that "political violence is always wrong" and suggested the attacker should face incarceration.
Political Rhetoric and Escalating Threats
Representative Omar attributed the incident to former President Donald Trump's rhetoric against her, stating that threats against her increase whenever Trump uses critical language. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D) criticized Trump's comments, asserting that Trump's rhetoric contributed to such incidents.
Former President Trump, who had previously criticized Omar, stated in an interview that he had not seen video of the incident and suggested Omar "probably had herself sprayed." Trump had also stated on Tuesday, in response to a second fatal shooting, that his administration was "going to de-escalate a little bit" in Minnesota.
This event occurs amidst a documented increase in threats against members of Congress. The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) reported investigating 14,938 concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed at lawmakers, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex last year, an increase from 9,474 cases in 2024. The USCP also stated they are collaborating with federal partners to ensure severe charges are faced to deter similar acts of violence. This marks the third consecutive year of an increase in such threats. Another Democratic lawmaker, Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida, also reported being assaulted recently.