NewsPBS NewsHourMay 7, 2026United States
Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar with Vinegar
Anthony Kazmierczak, 55, has pleaded guilty in federal court to assaulting U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar by spraying her with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis. The incident occurred in January 2026, and the defendant is currently awaiting sentencing.
Read the full story at PBS NewsHourWhy It Matters
The guilty plea concludes the legal proceedings for an assault on a sitting member of Congress, highlighting ongoing security concerns for federal officials.
Key Facts
- Anthony Kazmierczak pleaded guilty to assaulting a U.S. officer in federal court.
- The assault occurred on January 27, 2026, at a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.
- The defendant sprayed Representative Ilhan Omar with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar using a syringe.
- Representative Omar was not physically injured during the incident.
- The defendant shouted that then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would not resign and that Omar was 'splitting Minnesota apart' during the attack.
- Kazmierczak has a prior criminal record including a 1989 felony auto theft conviction and multiple arrests for driving under the influence.
- The defendant reported medical diagnoses including Parkinson's disease, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress.
- The defendant is currently awaiting sentencing.
Who's Mentioned
locationMinneapolis“Location of the town hall meeting and the assault.”personIlhan Omar“U.S. Representative who was the target of the assault.”personJoan N. Ericksen“U.S. District Judge presiding over the case.”personAnthony Kazmierczak“The 55-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to the assault.”personKristi Noem“Former Homeland Security Secretary mentioned during the incident.”personDonald Trump“Former President whose rhetoric was cited in relation to the defendant's views.”locationMinnesota“State where the incident occurred.”