The man accused of spraying Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota with a liquid during a town hall event in Minneapolis is now facing a federal criminal charge, according to court documents and law enforcement officials.
Federal prosecutors have filed one count against Anthony Kazmierczak, alleging that he “forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer and employee of the United States” while Representative Omar was performing her official duties. The charge was confirmed by NBC News and detailed in a sworn affidavit filed in federal court.
The incident occurred during a public town hall meeting where Omar was addressing constituents and speaking critically about federal immigration policy. At the time of the attack, she was calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a position that has placed Omar at the center of heightened political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
The Incident
According to the affidavit, Kazmierczak was seated in the front rows of the town hall when he suddenly stood up and approached Omar as she was speaking.
“As he approached Representative Omar,” the affidavit states, “he sprayed her with an initially unidentified liquid from a syringe.”
Omar later told authorities that the substance stained her clothing and may have reached her face and right eye, raising immediate concerns about possible chemical exposure. Security personnel and law enforcement quickly intervened, detaining Kazmierczak at the scene.
The liquid was later analyzed and determined to be a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar, the affidavit said.
While being detained, Kazmierczak allegedly made what investigators described as a “spontaneous utterance,” stating, “I squirted vinegar,” at the time of his arrest.
Statements Made During the Attack
Federal investigators say that as Kazmierczak moved toward Omar, he made a political statement directed at her.
“She’s not resigning,” he allegedly said, referring to Secretary Noem. “You’re splitting Minnesotans apart.”
Prosecutors cited the remark as evidence that the act was politically motivated and directly tied to Omar’s official role as a member of Congress.
Prior Statements and Social Media Activity
The affidavit also outlines disturbing past behavior attributed to Kazmierczak.
According to investigators, an unnamed individual told authorities that during a 2021 phone call, Kazmierczak allegedly said, “Somebody should kill that b***,”* in reference to Representative Omar. While the statement did not result in charges at the time, federal prosecutors included it in the affidavit to demonstrate a pattern of hostility toward the congresswoman.
Additionally, the affidavit references a cartoon posted to Kazmierczak’s Facebook page in 2021 that mocked Omar for having extensive personal security while simultaneously advocating for police reform. Investigators cited the post as further evidence of animus directed at Omar.
Legal Consequences
According to The New York Times, the federal charge carries a potential sentence of up to one year in prison.
However, prosecutors noted that the sentence could be increased to as much as eight years if the court determines that the act involved physical contact with the victim, a determination that may depend on whether the liquid’s contact with Omar’s body meets the legal threshold under federal assault statutes.
At present, Kazmierczak remains charged with a single federal count. Additional charges have not been announced.
Trump’s Reaction
President Donald Trump reacted to the incident later the same day during remarks to ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott. Rather than condemning the attack, Trump dismissed the incident and questioned its legitimacy.
“No. I don’t think about her,” Trump said when asked about Omar. “I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
When pressed on whether he had seen video of the assault, Trump replied, “I haven’t seen it. No, no. I hope I don’t have to bother.”
The comments sparked immediate backlash from Democrats and civil rights advocates, who accused the president of trivializing violence against an elected official and implicitly encouraging further hostility.
Context of Rising Threats Against Lawmakers
The attack on Omar comes amid a broader rise in threats and acts of violence targeting public officials across the United States. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that political polarization and inflammatory rhetoric have contributed to an increasingly dangerous environment for elected officials at all levels of government.
Omar, in particular, has long been the target of threats, harassment, and racially charged attacks. She has previously said that hostile rhetoric directed at her has resulted in increased death threats, requiring heightened security measures.
While no serious physical injuries were reported in this incident, security experts have emphasized that attacks involving unknown substances are treated with particular seriousness due to the potential risk of chemical exposure.
Official Duties and Federal Jurisdiction
Because the incident occurred while Omar was performing official congressional duties, federal authorities asserted jurisdiction over the case. Under federal law, assaulting a member of Congress or interfering with their official functions can result in enhanced penalties.
The charge alleges not only assault but also impeding and intimidating a federal official, a distinction that prosecutors argue is critical to protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that lawmakers can perform their duties without fear of violence.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed, nor have they disclosed whether Kazmierczak has retained legal counsel. Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Representative Omar has not publicly commented in detail on the charge but has continued to carry out her congressional responsibilities.
A Broader Political Flashpoint
The incident has further intensified debate over political rhetoric, public safety, and the treatment of elected officials—particularly women and members of minority communities.
While supporters of Omar argue the attack underscores the real-world consequences of inflammatory political discourse, critics have attempted to downplay the severity of the incident due to the nature of the substance involved.
Federal prosecutors, however, emphasized that the intent, context, and threat posed by the act, rather than the composition of the liquid alone, are central to the charge.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to remain a focal point in ongoing discussions about political violence, accountability, and the boundaries of lawful protest in an increasingly polarized national climate.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
