The Justice Department just dropped a massive federal charge on the man who attacked Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a recent event in Minneapolis, as reported by AP News. Anthony Kazmierczak was arrested after the incident and now faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding, and intimidating Omar, according to court papers made public.
The attack occurred during a perilous political moment in Minneapolis, which has seen two people fatally shot by federal agents during the White House’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Shortly after the attack, President Donald Trump accused Omar of staging the entire thing. Speaking to a major news organization, President Trump said, “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
Omar, a refugee from Somalia, has long been a fixture of President Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. Seven years ago, after she was first elected, the president famously said she should “go back” to her country. He recently described her as “garbage” and even suggested she should be investigated. Just earlier this week, shortly before the attack, President Trump gave a speech in Iowa where he said immigrants need to be proud of the United States, “not like Ilhan Omar.”
It’s clear that Omar feels the impact of this vilifying language
She told reporters that her safety threats skyrocket whenever the president chooses to use hateful rhetoric against her and her community. This really highlights the increasingly dangerous climate for public servants, especially since threats against members of Congress have been on the rise. Officials investigated nearly 15,000 concerning statements and behaviors directed against members of Congress in 2025 alone.
The actual substance Kazmierczak used in the assault was determined to be water and apple cider vinegar. After he sprayed Omar with the liquid, he reportedly yelled, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart.” Authorities also revealed that Kazmierczak told a close associate several years ago that “somebody should kill” Omar.
This level of threat is why prosecutors aren’t taking this lightly. Kazmierczak is facing not only the severe federal charge but also state charges in Hennepin County for terroristic threats and fifth-degree assault. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty made a crucial point about the dual charges. Moriarty said this was a disturbing assault on Omar, who is frequently the target of vilifying language. Moriarty added, “A state-level conviction is not subject to a presidential pardon now or in the future.”
Kazmierczak has a criminal history, including a felony auto theft conviction in 1989 and multiple arrests for driving under the influence. Court records also show he has serious financial problems, including two bankruptcy filings.
His online presence makes his political leanings very clear. Kazmierczak made posts supportive of President Trump, writing that the president “wants the US is stronger and more prosperous,” and wants to “Stop other countries from stealing from us.” He also criticized former President Joe Biden and called Democrats “angry and liars.” Disturbingly, in another post, Kazmierczak asked when descendants of slaves would pay restitution to Union soldiers’ families for freeing them and dying for them.
When Kazmierczak appeared briefly in federal court, his attorney, Jean Brandl, told the judge her client was unmedicated at the time of the incident and suffers from Parkinson’s disease and other serious conditions. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dulce Foster ordered that he remain in custody but instructed officials to ensure he sees a nurse when he is transferred to the Sherburne County Jail.
Published: Jan 30, 2026 01:30 pm