U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Sprayed with Substance at Minneapolis Town Hall
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was sprayed with a liquid substance during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. An individual identified as Anthony Kazmierczak was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged with assault. The incident occurred after Representative Omar had spoken about federal immigration enforcement and called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Incident Details
During a town hall meeting attended by approximately 100 people in north Minneapolis, an individual sprayed a liquid from a syringe at Representative Omar. Security personnel tackled the man to the ground immediately following the incident, and police officers present at the event witnessed the spraying.
Attendees reported an odor from the substance, describing it as strong, vinegar-like, acrid, or sour. Forensic scientists responded to the scene to investigate the substance. It was later identified as a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar.
Representative Omar did not sustain physical injuries, though she described feeling flustered and was scheduled for a medical screening. Her office confirmed she was unharmed. Notably, she chose to continue the town hall meeting after the individual was removed.
Apprehension and Charges
The individual involved was identified as Anthony Kazmierczak, 55. He was immediately arrested and booked into Hennepin County Jail. State charges against Kazmierczak include third-degree assault, terroristic threats, and fifth-degree assault.
The Justice Department also filed federal charges against Kazmierczak, alleging he "forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated an officer and employee of the United States" while Representative Omar was performing official duties.
According to an affidavit, Kazmierczak reportedly stated, "She's not resigning. You're splitting Minnesotans apart" after the alleged spraying.
Court documents also indicated that several years prior, Kazmierczak allegedly told an associate that "somebody should kill" Omar. During a federal court appearance, Kazmierczak's attorney stated her client was unmedicated at the time and lacks access to medications for Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. A U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered Kazmierczak to remain in custody.
Kazmierczak's criminal history includes a felony auto theft conviction in 1989, multiple arrests for driving under the influence, numerous traffic citations, and bankruptcy filings. His social media accounts reportedly show support for former President Donald Trump and criticism of Democrats.
Context of the Town Hall
The town hall focused on the presence of federal immigration officials in the Minneapolis area. Discussions followed two recent fatal shootings of American citizens by immigration officials.
During the event, Representative Omar advocated for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. The incident occurred after these comments were made.
Statements and Reactions
Following the incident, Representative Omar stated on social media that she was "ok" and would not be intimidated from her work.
She told reporters, "I'm a survivor so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win." She also stated, "We will continue. These f------ a--holes are not going to get away with this."
Numerous elected officials condemned the incident:
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) stated that "violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis."
- Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) expressed being "deeply disturbed" and emphasized that "no elected official should face physical attacks."
- Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) affirmed that "political violence is always wrong."
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D) criticized former President Trump's comments following the incident.
- Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty described it as a "disturbing assault" and noted that a state-level conviction would not be subject to a presidential pardon.
Former President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized Representative Omar, suggested in an interview that Omar "probably had herself sprayed." Representative Omar attributed the incident to Trump's rhetoric against her, stating that threats against her increase whenever Trump uses critical language.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the federal charges, calling it an important step toward accountability.
Broader Context of Threats Against Lawmakers
The incident occurs amidst a documented increase in threats against members of Congress. The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) reported investigating 14,938 concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed at lawmakers, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex in 2025. This marked a significant increase from 9,474 cases investigated in 2024.
The USCP also stated they are collaborating with federal partners to ensure severe charges are pursued to deter similar acts of violence. Presidential rhetoric against political adversaries has been observed to correlate with an increase in threats.