A man with a criminal history and pro-Trump online presence sprayed an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall, leading to his arrest and highlighting increased threats against lawmakers.
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, a man with a criminal history including felony auto theft and multiple DUIs, sprayed an unknown, vinegarlike liquid from a syringe at Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall. The incident occurred after Omar called for the abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Kazmierczak, whose online posts expressed support for former President Donald Trump and criticized Democrats, was immediately tackled and arrested on a preliminary third-degree assault charge. Although the liquid's identity is still unknown, no one among the approximately 100 attendees showed a physical reaction. Omar, though flustered, was unhurt and continued speaking, later stating on X that she would not be intimidated. The attack underscores a rising trend of threats against members of Congress, a climate fueled by divisive political rhetoric. Omar has frequently been a target of Trump's criticism, with the former president making derogatory comments about her and suggesting she may have staged the attack. This event follows another recent assault on a U.S. Representative, raising concerns about the safety of lawmakers at public events.
