Anthony James Kazmierczak, the man responsible for spraying U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar with a liquid from a syringe, was charged in federal court with forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding, and intimidating a federal official while Omar was performing her official duties.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during a public town hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Omar was speaking when Kazmierczak approached the front of the meeting and sprayed her with a liquid from a syringe. According to law enforcement officials, the substance was later determined by a hazmat specialist to be a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar.
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District) was attacked by Anthony James Kazmierczak during her town hall meeting before being tackled by security; Photo Credit: Getty Images
Security personnel quickly subdued and tackled Kazmierczak at the scene. Omar was not seriously injured, though the liquid reportedly stained her clothing and may have reached her face and eye.
Kazmierczak was initially booked into Hennepin County Jail before being transferred to federal custody, where he is reportedly being held without bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2026.
In addition to the federal complaint, Kazmierczak also faces state charges in Hennepin County, including terroristic threats and assault, according to county prosecutors.
During a federal court appearance on January 29, 2026, a magistrate judge ordered that Kazmierczak remain in custody and noted that he should receive any necessary medical care, as his attorney stated he suffers from Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
Court filings also allege that an associate told investigators that Kazmierczak had previously made a violent statement about Rep. Omar — a detail included in the federal affidavit supporting the charges.
Rep. Omar described the attack as part of a broader climate of threats against her, which she linked to inflammatory political rhetoric. The incident has drawn bipartisan condemnation, raising renewed concern about violence directed at public officials.
