Man Admits To Spraying Rep. Ilhan Omar With Syringe During Minneapolis Town Hall

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A Minnesota man pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall earlier this year, federal prosecutors said.

Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a United States officer, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.

The assault happened Jan. 27 during an official town hall hosted by Omar in Minneapolis, prosecutors said. Kazmierczak was sitting in the front row when he stood up and quickly approached Omar while she was speaking, according to court documents.

Kazmierczak sprayed Omar with apple cider vinegar from a syringe, and the liquid landed on her clothing and skin, prosecutors said. Lab analysis later confirmed the liquid contained acetic acid.

Security guards subdued Kazmierczak after he gestured and shouted at Omar, according to prosecutors. The town hall was temporarily disrupted, but Omar later continued her remarks.

During his arrest by Minneapolis police, Kazmierczak said, "I squirted vinegar," prosecutors said.

Kazmierczak admitted during Thursday’s change-of-plea hearing that he planned the assault and that he did not agree with Omar’s political views, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A sentencing date has not yet been set. The FBI led the investigation with help from the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.