A man accused of squirting vinegar at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar during a community meeting in Minneapolis this week was charged with assault by federal prosecutors on January 29, authorities said. Hours later, local prosecutors filed state-level charges, citing concerns over federal oversight and potential presidential interference.
The accused, 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, allegedly approached Omar on January 27 and sprayed a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water using a syringe, according to an affidavit filed by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Derek Fossi. The liquid reportedly stained Omar’s clothing and may have reached her face and right eye.
Omar, a Democrat known for her outspoken criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies in Minnesota, had just concluded remarks calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when the incident occurred, the affidavit stated. Following the spray, Kazmierczak allegedly said, “You’re splitting Minnesotans apart,” before security personnel subdued him.
Despite the attack, Omar remained at the event and continued speaking, dismissing staff members’ offers to seek medical evaluation. “I don’t let bullies win,” she wrote on social media shortly after the incident.
The FBI has underscored the seriousness of assaults on elected officials. “An assault on a member of Congress is an assault on the democratic values that underpin this nation,” said Richard Evanchec, interim special agent in charge of the Minneapolis FBI office.
In addition to federal assault charges, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed state charges against Kazmierczak for assault and making threats of violence. Moriarty explained that the state-level charges were necessary due to diminished trust in federal enforcement and concerns that President Donald Trump might pardon Kazmierczak if he were convicted of federal crimes.
According to the criminal complaint, Omar reported that Kazmierczak had told her she should die before he was tackled. FBI investigators noted that a “close associate” of Kazmierczak had previously indicated that he believed someone should kill Omar. Kazmierczak, a Minneapolis resident, has a history of posting political content critical of Democratic lawmakers on social media, including a 2021 cartoon targeting Omar.
Moriarty emphasized that her decision to prosecute the case at the state level reflects a broader shift in Minneapolis. “While we have historically worked collaboratively with federal agencies to investigate crimes, that partnership has been damaged by political decisions coming from this administration,” she said in a video statement. Convictions on state charges are not subject to presidential pardons, providing an additional layer of accountability, she noted.
Kazmierczak appeared in federal court in Minneapolis on January 29, where he was visibly shaking. His attorney, public defender Jean Brandl, told the court that Kazmierczak suffers from Parkinson’s disease and had missed his medication while in custody. Judge Dulce J. Foster instructed U.S. Marshals to ensure he received his medications promptly and ordered him to remain jailed until his next court appearance on February 3, when he is expected to enter a plea.
“There are concerns here, not just about his physical health but his mental stability,” Judge Foster said during the hearing.
The federal statute under which Kazmierczak was charged specifically addresses assaults or intimidation of federal officials. Conviction can carry a maximum prison sentence of one year unless physical contact with the victim occurs, in which case the penalty increases to eight years. State charges of making threats of violence carry a maximum sentence of five years.
Several members of the Minneapolis City Council reported that they, too, were struck by the liquid during the event, prompting further investigation by Moriarty’s office.
The case has drawn attention amid heightened tensions between Minneapolis officials and the federal government, following a recent deployment of immigration agents to the Twin Cities by the Trump administration. Critics have expressed concern that such political maneuvers have undermined trust in federal law enforcement cooperation.
Trump, a frequent critic of Omar, suggested without evidence that the incident may have been staged. Meanwhile, local officials and law enforcement emphasize the seriousness of attacks on elected representatives and the need to protect democratic institutions.
Omar, who has survived multiple threats and harassment incidents throughout her political career, has continued to advocate for progressive policies despite such attacks. The January 27 incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by public officials and the volatile political environment in the U.S., particularly in the context of polarized debates over immigration, security, and political rhetoric.
As authorities prepare for further proceedings, both federal and state investigations are ongoing. Kazmierczak remains in custody, and prosecutors have indicated they will pursue charges vigorously. Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent in how assaults on federal lawmakers are prosecuted when trust in federal enforcement is in question.
Omar’s office has not commented further on the legal proceedings, but her public stance signals a determination to continue her work without intimidation. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the safety of public officials and the responsibility of elected leaders to condemn political violence, particularly in an era of heightened polarization and public unrest.
