A Minnesota man is facing both federal and state criminal charges after allegedly spraying U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar with a liquid during a public town hall event in Minneapolis this week, authorities confirmed Thursday.
According to federal prosecutors, the incident occurred on the evening of January 27 as Rep. Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, was addressing attendees on national immigration issues. Investigators say the suspect, identified as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, approached the stage and discharged a syringe containing a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in Omar’s direction before being subdued by security personnel.
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Kazmierczak with forcibly assaulting and intimidating a member of Congress. Separately, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced state charges including terroristic threats and fifth-degree assault. Court filings indicate the liquid stained Omar’s clothing and may have come into contact with her face and eye, though no serious injuries were reported.
Despite the disruption, Omar chose to continue the town hall after the incident, declining immediate medical attention. In a statement released later, she said she was unharmed and emphasized resilience in the face of intimidation. At a news conference the following day, Omar connected the attack to heightened political hostility, stating that inflammatory rhetoric has led to an increase in threats against her.
The incident quickly drew national attention and political reaction. President Donald Trump commented on the matter during a phone interview, casting doubt on the circumstances without presenting evidence. House Speaker Mike Johnson later dismissed speculation, stating there was no indication the attack was staged and confirming that he contacted Omar to check on her safety. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the attack as a troubling example of escalating political violence.
Kazmierczak appeared briefly in federal court on Thursday, where his attorney cited health concerns, including Parkinson’s disease, and noted that her client was not receiving medication at the time of the incident. A magistrate judge ordered him held in custody and instructed jail officials to ensure he receives medical evaluation. Records show Kazmierczak has a prior criminal history and had previously made hostile statements about Omar online, according to an FBI affidavit.
County Attorney Mary Moriarty explained that pursuing state charges alongside federal prosecution was intended to ensure accountability regardless of potential future federal actions. Civil rights organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, welcomed the charges, calling them a necessary response to violence against elected officials.
The attack comes amid a broader climate of increased threats toward public servants nationwide. U.S. Capitol Police report that investigations into threats against members of Congress rose again in 2025, underscoring ongoing concerns about the safety of elected officials during public engagements.
Authorities stated that the case will proceed in both federal and state courts as prosecutors seek penalties they say reflect the seriousness of the offense and deter similar acts in the future.
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