DOJ charges man with assault of Rep. Ilhan Omar

Defendant will face hearings to determine release and indictment

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The US Department of Justice has charged a man named Anthony James Kazmierczak with 'forcibly assaulting and interfering with' Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar at a town hall in North Minneapolis. Kazmierczak reportedly sprayed Omar with a syringe of apple cider vinegar during her speech, in which she called for the abolition of ICE and the resignation of the Homeland Security Secretary. He will face a detention hearing and preliminary hearing on February 3.

Why it matters

The attack on Rep. Omar comes amid heightened tensions over ICE's enforcement actions in Minnesota, including the killings of civilians by ICE agents, which have sparked protests and legal action against the Trump administration. The incident also highlights the ongoing threats and violence faced by members of Congress, particularly those who are outspoken critics of the administration's immigration policies.

The details

According to the complaint filed by District Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, Kazmierczak approached Rep. Omar during her town hall speech and sprayed her with a syringe of apple cider vinegar. He was then apprehended by security officers. Rep. Omar stated that she was not harmed and continued with the town hall, saying 'she doesn't let bullies win.' The DOJ has charged Kazmierczak with 'forcibly assaulting and interfering with' a member of Congress, and Capitol Police are also considering federal charges against him.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday during Rep. Omar's town hall speech.
  • Kazmierczak will appear in front of a US District Court in the District of Minnesota on February 3 for a detention hearing and preliminary hearing.

The players

Anthony James Kazmierczak

The defendant who has been charged with assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Rep. Ilhan Omar

The Democratic Representative from Minnesota who was assaulted during her town hall speech.

Daniel N. Rosen

The District Attorney who filed the complaint against Kazmierczak.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security whom Rep. Omar called to resign or face impeachment.

President Donald Trump

The President who called Rep. Omar 'a fraud' and suggested she 'probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.'

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What they’re saying

“Assaultive behavior and acts of intimidation directed at officers and employers of the United States will not be tolerated.”

— Daniel N. Rosen, District Attorney (jurist.org)

“I don't let bullies win.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (jurist.org)

“He was on stage moments before I was attacked, talking about me.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (jurist.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 3 whether to allow Kazmierczak to be released pending trial and whether an indictment can be sought.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threats and violence faced by members of Congress, particularly those who are outspoken critics of the administration's policies. It also underscores the heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in Minnesota and the need for accountability and de-escalation in these charged political environments.