Additional Coverage:
Suspect Detained in Alleged Attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar
Minneapolis, MN – A man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) with a substance during a town hall meeting last week has been ordered to remain in custody. Anthony Kazmierczak, 56, faces charges of forcibly assaulting and interfering with a federal official engaged in their duties.
The incident occurred on January 27th in Minneapolis. According to federal prosecutors, video footage shows Kazmierczak approaching Rep.
Omar as she addressed constituents and deploying a liquid from a syringe. Omar’s office later identified the substance as apple cider vinegar.
The liquid reportedly stained her clothing and may have made contact with her face and right eye.
Minnesota District Judge David T. Schultz ruled Tuesday that Kazmierczak posed a flight risk and was likely to have committed a felony, necessitating his continued detention.
He had been held in federal custody since the incident. An attorney for Kazmierczak indicated that they may seek reconsideration of the detention order if circumstances change.
Court documents reveal that Kazmierczak allegedly made prior threats against Rep. Omar, with an affidavit stating he told an associate years ago, “Somebody should kill that b—-.”
The alleged attack took place shortly after Rep. Omar called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a sentiment shared by many Democrats following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, part of Omar’s district.
The FBI alleges that Kazmierczak, who was present at the town hall, stood up and approached Omar, appearing to say, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart” after spraying her.
The incident has further fueled ongoing tensions between Rep. Omar and President Donald Trump.
Omar has attributed the attack to the President’s frequent verbal attacks against her. Following the incident, President Trump reportedly suggested, without offering evidence, that Omar “probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”