Federal prosecutors say a Minnesota man admitted targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar because he disagreed with her political views after rushing the stage and spraying her with apple cider vinegar during a public event.
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting he assaulted U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall meeting earlier this year.
Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a United States officer in U.S. District Court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. The incident was broadcast by Fox News (Photo inset copyright Fox News).
Federal prosecutors said Kazmierczak remains in custody awaiting sentencing and faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release.
Attack disrupted Minneapolis town hall
According to court documents, the incident occurred on Jan. 27 during an official town hall hosted by Omar in Minneapolis.
Prosecutors said Kazmierczak was seated in the front row before standing and rapidly approaching the congresswoman while she was speaking.
Authorities said he sprayed Omar with apple cider vinegar from a syringe, striking her clothing and skin.
Lab testing later confirmed the liquid contained acetic acid, the primary component of vinegar.
Security quickly intervened
After spraying Omar, Kazmierczak allegedly shouted and gestured toward the congresswoman before security personnel subdued him.
The town hall was briefly interrupted but resumed later, with Omar continuing her remarks for attendees.
During his arrest by Minneapolis police officers, Kazmierczak reportedly stated, “I squirted vinegar.”
Defendant admitted motive
During his plea hearing before U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen, Kazmierczak admitted he planned the assault in advance.
He also acknowledged that his actions were motivated by disagreement with Omar’s political views, according to federal prosecutors.
“This assault is yet another example of a dangerous national trend: people channeling political hatred into criminal acts,” U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said.
“The Department of Justice and this U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate such behavior.”
FBI condemns political violence
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson described the incident as an attack on democratic institutions.
“Political violence is a scourge on our democracy,” Dotson said.
“The FBI will not tolerate attacks on elected officials or anyone who serves our nation. Anyone who thinks they can attack an elected official or seek to insert violence into our democratic discourse without consequence will find the FBI and our law enforcement partners in their way.”
Sentencing date not yet scheduled
A sentencing date has not yet been announced by the court.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar.
Key Points
• Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, pleaded guilty to assaulting U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall.
• Prosecutors said he sprayed Omar with apple cider vinegar from a syringe after approaching the stage.
• Kazmierczak admitted he planned the assault because he disagreed with Omar’s political views and faces up to eight years in federal prison.
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