Man Ordered to Remain in Custody for Assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar

Federal judge denies bail for Anthony Kazmierczak, who sprayed Omar with apple cider vinegar during a town hall meeting.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A federal judge has ordered Anthony Kazmierczak, the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis, to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings. Kazmierczak, 55, faces federal assault charges as well as state charges of making threats of violence and assault after he charged at Omar and sprayed her with a liquid later determined to be apple cider vinegar and water.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing concerns over threats and violence against members of Congress. Data shows the number of threats being investigated by U.S. Capitol Police against members, their families, and staff increased 58% between 2024 and 2025.

The details

During the Jan. 27 town hall, Kazmierczak charged at Omar and sprayed her with the liquid, but Omar was not injured. He was quickly tackled to the ground and arrested, and Omar continued the town hall for almost half an hour. In a subsequent interview, Omar said she is "really OK" and that "they picked the wrong person" as she is "not one to be intimidated."

  • The incident occurred on Jan. 27, 2026 during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.
  • A federal judge ordered Kazmierczak to remain in custody on Feb. 4, 2026.

The players

Rep. Ilhan Omar

A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota's 5th congressional district.

Anthony Kazmierczak

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

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What they’re saying

“What happened to me is not OK, but they picked the wrong person. I am not one to be intimidated.”

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (WCCO)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Kazmierczak's bail and further court proceedings in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing concerns over threats and violence against members of Congress, and highlights Rep. Omar's resilience in the face of such attacks.