MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota resident who attacked Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar by dousing her with vinegar during a public meeting entered a guilty plea Thursday in federal court following negotiations with prosecutors.
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, now faces sentencing after admitting to the assault charge.
Appearing in court wearing bright orange detention attire, Kazmierczak offered only limited details Thursday about the January 27th incident, which occurred during heightened tensions in Minneapolis following deadly encounters between federal agents and civilians during an immigration enforcement operation that brought thousands of officers to Minnesota.
When asked by U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen to describe his recollection of the attack, Kazmierczak responded: “It’s fuzzy.”
During Omar’s January public forum, Kazmierczak suddenly stood up from his seat in the audience when the congresswoman demanded the removal of then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Court records indicate he discharged liquid from a syringe while yelling that Noem would remain in her position and accusing Omar of “splitting Minnesota apart.”
Security personnel immediately subdued Kazmierczak, who informed them the substance was vinegar.
“I didn’t want anybody to think she was in danger,” he stated Thursday.
Omar sustained no injuries and proceeded with the town hall following Kazmierczak’s detention.
Investigation revealed he had sprayed her with a combination of water and apple cider vinegar. Federal prosecutors charged him with assaulting a government official.
Legal filings reveal that Kazmierczak, who opposed Omar politically and posted content supporting President Donald Trump online, previously told an acquaintance years earlier that “somebody should kill” her.
Omar, who came to the United States as a Somali refugee, has frequently been targeted by Trump’s anti-immigration messaging. Following her election seven years ago, Trump suggested she should “go back” to Somalia. He has called her “garbage” and demanded investigations into her conduct.
Trump has additionally claimed Omar orchestrated the attack herself, telling ABC News, “She probably had herself sprayed, knowing her.”
During Thursday’s proceedings, Kazmierczak informed Judge Ericksen that he receives treatment for Parkinson’s disease and has been diagnosed with ADHD and a type of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Following his detention, his former legal counsel indicated he lacked access to necessary medications for Parkinson’s and other serious medical conditions.
Minnesota court files show Kazmierczak was found guilty of felony vehicle theft in 1989 and has faced multiple drunk driving arrests along with numerous traffic violations. Records also suggest he has experienced substantial financial difficulties, including two bankruptcy proceedings.
In online posts, Kazmierczak had attacked former President Joe Biden and labeled Democrats as “angry and liars.” He wrote that Trump seeks to make America “stronger and more prosperous.”
Congressional security data shows threats against lawmakers have risen in recent years, reaching a high point in 2021 after the January 6 Capitol riot by Trump supporters, then declining briefly before increasing again.
