Man Charged for Assault on Rep. Ilhan Omar During Town Hall

Anthony Kazmierczak accused of spraying unknown liquid on the congresswoman during a public event

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The Justice Department has filed charges against Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, for allegedly assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. Kazmierczak is accused of approaching Omar and spraying her with an unknown liquid that stained her clothes and may have contacted her face and eye. He was arrested at the scene and later told police he had sprayed Omar with vinegar.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the safety and security of elected officials, particularly those who have faced threats and harassment in the past. It also highlights the ongoing political tensions and divisions in the country that can sometimes boil over into acts of violence or disruption.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Kazmierczak 'forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated and interfered with' Omar as she was conducting a town hall with her constituents. As Omar was speaking, Kazmierczak approached her, gestured at her, and shouted before spraying her with the unknown liquid from a plastic syringe. Omar's security staff detained Kazmierczak until police arrived and arrested him on third-degree assault charges.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday during Rep. Omar's town hall event in Minneapolis.
  • Kazmierczak was arrested at the scene and jailed on assault charges.

The players

Anthony Kazmierczak

A 55-year-old man who is accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall event in Minneapolis.

Rep. Ilhan Omar

The U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district, who was the target of the alleged assault.

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What they’re saying

“As he sprayed her, Kazmierczak gestured at Rep. Omar and shouted at her before turning away and being brought to the floor by two security officers.”

— Derek Fossi, FBI Special Agent (The New York Times)

“She's not resigning. You're splitting Minnesotans apart.”

— Anthony Kazmierczak (NBC News)

What’s next

Kazmierczak is expected to appear in U.S. District Court for an arraignment hearing to formally face the charges against him.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect elected officials, particularly those who have faced threats and harassment in the past. It also highlights the importance of civil discourse and the peaceful resolution of political differences, even in the face of strong disagreements.