DOJ charges Minnesota man who appeared to spray Democrat Rep Ilhan Omar at town hall event

The defendant faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar

Published: January 29, 2026 2:48pm

The Justice Department on Thursday charged the man in connection with apple cider vinegar being squirted on Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar earlier in the week at a public, town hall event.

The defendant, Anthony Kazmierczak, seems to be saying something to the effect of "I squirted vinegar" while he was being arrested, body camera video shows.

The 55-year-old Kazmierczak faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar, according to a complaint filed in federal court and reviewed by the Associated Press.

Authorities also say that Kazmierczak told a close associate several years ago that “somebody should kill” Omar, court documents say.

It was unclear whether Kazmierczak, who was in the audience then ran up to Omar and appeared to spray her, has an attorney who could comment on the allegations. A message was left with the federal defender’s office in Minnesota, the wire service also reports.

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