Man who sprayed U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar from syringe during town hall pleads guilty to assault

Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, pleaded guilty in federal court to assaulting U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a January 27 town hall in Minneapolis. He sprayed a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar at Omar from a syringe after she called for the removal of then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, shouting that Noem would not resign and accusing Omar of dividing Minnesota. Kazmierczak, dressed in orange jail attire, gave a vague explanation to U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen, stating his recollection of the incident was 'fuzzy.' Security officers subdued him after the attack, and Omar continued the event unharmed. Prosecutors had charged him with assaulting a U.S. officer, though he claimed he only wanted to avoid perceptions of danger. Court records show Kazmierczak had previously told associates he wished 'somebody should kill' Omar, a Somali refugee and frequent target of former President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. Trump has repeatedly attacked Omar, calling her 'garbage' and suggesting she stage attacks against herself. Kazmierczak also made online posts criticizing President Joe Biden and Democrats, aligning with Trump’s rhetoric. Kazmierczak disclosed during the hearing that he was being treated for Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while his former attorney claimed he lacked access to necessary medications after his arrest. His legal history includes a 1989 felony auto theft conviction, multiple DUIs, traffic citations, and two bankruptcies. The incident reflects rising threats against Congress members, particularly after the January 6 Capitol riot.