Minneapolis, Minnesota – A man accused of spraying Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with an unknown liquid at a town hall event had warned his neighbor he “might get arrested” beforehand, raising questions about the intent behind the alleged assault.
Assault Follows Heated Exchange Over ICE
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The incident occurred as Omar publicly called for the abolishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, was charged with third-degree assault Tuesday.
- Kazmierczak allegedly used a syringe to spray a liquid smelling like vinegar at Omar.
- Prior to the event, Kazmierczak texted a neighbor, stating he “might get arrested.”
- The alleged attack took place during a tense discussion about federal immigration enforcement.
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, faces charges after allegedly squirting a strong, vinegar-like-smelling liquid at Omar from a syringe during a town hall meeting. The incident unfolded as the congresswoman was advocating for the abolishment of ICE and calling for the resignation or impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, asked a neighbor to watch his dog ahead of Ilhan Omar’s town hall in Minneapolis and warned he ‘might get arrested’ at the event, the neighbor claimed
According to neighbor Brian Kelley, Kazmierczak hinted at his plans in a text message sent before the event. “He said, ‘I might get arrested,’” Kelley stated. “I figured it was nonsense. He wasn’t going to do anything stupid.” Kelley initially agreed to watch Kazmierczak’s dog but was later told the arrangement was no longer needed, with Kazmierczak saying he “got it covered.”
Kelley described Kazmierczak as a supporter of former President Trump who “doesn’t like Omar,” but expressed shock at the alleged assault. He also noted that Kazmierczak has Parkinson’s Disease and suffered a spinal injury in a car accident years ago, leaving him heavily medicated and with limited physical ability.
Rising Tensions Fuel Debate
The alleged attack occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, following the fatal shootings of two protesters earlier this month. Omar’s call to abolish ICE and demand Secretary Noem’s resignation or impeachment immediately preceded the incident.
Witnesses reported that Kazmierczak approached Omar at the podium and sprayed a light brown substance from a syringe. He then allegedly told Omar to resign, claiming she was “tearing Minnesota apart” before being subdued by security. The audience reportedly cheered as Kazmierczak was restrained.
Kazmierczak is pulled away by security after he allegedly used a syringe to squirt a strong, vinegar-like-smelling liquid at the congresswoman
Omar, visibly shaken but unharmed, reportedly muttered “F***ing a**hole” as Kazmierczak was led away. She continued speaking for approximately 25 minutes, stating she would not be intimidated. She later posted on social media, “I’m ok. I’m a survivor so this small agitator isn’t going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don’t let bullies win.”
Kazmierczak is arrested at the town hall event in Minneapolis on Tuesday night
Trump Questions Attack’s Authenticity
Former President Trump has since commented on the incident, calling Omar “a fraud” and suggesting the attack may have been staged. “No. I don’t think about her. I think she’s a fraud. I really don’t think about that. She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her,” Trump told ABC News, adding that he hadn’t seen video of the event and “hope[d] I don’t have to bother.”
Kazmierczak, 55, was charged with third-degree assault and is being held in custody
Kazmierczak is currently being held in county jail. Forensic scientists were at the scene collecting evidence. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
Omar appeared ready to confront Kazmierczak before he was dragged away as she mutters: ‘F**king a**hole.’
Omar continued speaking for about 25 more minutes after the man was ushered out by security, saying she would not be intimidated
