The Justice Department filed charges Thursday against a man who allegedly tried to spray Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., with a substance from a syringe during a town hall in Minneapolis this week.
Anthony Kazmierczak faces a count alleging that he “forcibly assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated and officer and employee of the United States” while she was engaged in official duties.
The affidavit alleges that Kamierczak told a close associate years ago that he said, “Somebody should kill that b—-,” in reference to Omar.
After Omar called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign at the meeting Tuesday, Kamierczak appeared to say, “She’s not resigning. You’re splitting Minnesotans apart” after spraying her, according to the FBI.
“According to Representative Omar, the liquid stained her clothes and may have reached her face and right eye,” an affidavit the FBI filed in support of the criminal complaint said.
Omar’s office said Wednesday that the substance was apple cider vinegar.
“The town hall meeting was temporarily disrupted and delayed. Representative Omar, though visibly shaken, continued with the town hall and later posted on X that she was okay,” the affidavit said.
Omar on Wednesday blamed the attack on Trump’s frequent verbal attacks against her.
“What the facts have shown since I’ve gotten into elected office is that 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,” Omar said at a news conference.
Trump said in an interview with ABC News that Omar “probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
Kazmierczak’s social media accounts include multiple photos supporting Trump and criticizing Democrats, and at least one post mocking Omar.
Kazmierczak has a criminal record that dates back to 1989, when he was charged and later pleaded guilty to the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to public records. He was ordered to pay $551, the records showed. It was unclear whether he was sentenced to serve time or put on probation.
In 2009, Kazmierczak was charged with driving while intoxicated in Minnesota and pleaded guilty. A year later, he was convicted again for driving under the influence. Divorce records from 2017 showed that he was unemployed at the time and was receiving disability insurance benefits of nearly $40,000.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
