A disruption at a Minneapolis town hall has now turned into a serious federal case after authorities moved forward with assault charges tied to the incident involving Rep. Ilhan Omar. Federal prosecutors say Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, is facing a charge of assaulting a federal official after he rushed toward Ilhan Omar during a town hall event Tuesday night. A criminal complaint filed by the Justice Department alleges he used a syringe filled with apple cider vinegar during the confrontation. According to the affidavit, Kazmierczak charged the stage as Omar stood at the podium and later told authorities, “I squirted vinegar,” after being restrained by security. Images included in the filing show a syringe that investigators say was recovered at the scene. The incident happened as Omar criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and called for her resignation. While being escorted away, Kazmierczak allegedly shouted, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart,” according to the court filing. In addition to the federal case, Kazmierczak has been charged in Hennepin County with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault. County Attorney Mary Moriarty described the incident as “a disturbing assault on Rep. Omar, who is frequently the target of vilifying language by fellow elected officials and members of the public.” The affidavit also states that a close associate told the FBI Kazmierczak previously said, “Someone should kill that b***h,” during a phone call about Omar several years ago. After the attack, Omar pointed directly to the political climate fueled by Donald Trump. “Blame is very interesting, but facts are more important,” she said at a news conference. “Every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket.” She later added, “You know, I’ve survived more, and I’m definitely going to survive intimidation and whatever these people think that they can throw at me because I’m built that way.” U.S. Capitol Police data shows threats against members of Congress rose more than 50 percent from 2024 to 2025, a trend officials say remains deeply concerning.

A day after a syringe attack disrupted a Minneapolis town hall, Donald Trump publicly accused Rep. Ilhan Omar of staging the incident, offering no evidence to support the claim. In a phone interview with ABC News, Trump dismissed the Minnesota Democrat and questioned the attack itself. “I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud,” he said. “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.” Trump also said he had not watched video of the incident. “I haven't seen it,” he said. “No, no. I hope I don't have to bother.” The attack occurred late January 27 during a town hall in Minneapolis. As Omar spoke, a man rushed toward the podium and sprayed her torso with an unknown liquid from a syringe. Witnesses said the man shouted as he approached, though his words were unclear. Omar had been calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached. Minneapolis police identified the suspect as 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak, according to department spokesman Trevor Folke. Kazmierczak was arrested on assault charges. Law enforcement officials said there is no evidence supporting Trump’s claim that Omar staged the attack. Omar was not injured and chose to continue the meeting despite pleas from attendees to stop. “Please don't let them have the show,” she said, asking for a napkin. “We will continue … They are not going to get away with this.” In a statement posted afterward, Omar said, “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. Grateful to my incredible constituents who rallied behind me. Minnesota strong.”

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