Anthony James Kazmierczak, a 56-year-old man from Minnesota, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in an attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Kazmierczak pleaded guilty to assaulting a U.S. official and admitted that he planned the January 27 assault because he disagreed with Omar’s political views. He was quickly subdued by Omar’s security team before being arrested at the scene.
The incident happened during a town hall event in Minneapolis where Omar was speaking about ending the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, according to Al Jazeera. During the event, Omar called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or face impeachment. Kazmierczak then rushed toward Omar and sprayed her with apple cider vinegar from a syringe before being tackled to the ground by security.
Judge Joan N. Ericksen said the act was not spontaneous, as Kazmierczak had purchased tickets to the event weeks in advance. Prosecutors said text messages showed that Kazmierczak had told several people he planned to do something at the meeting involving Omar but would not explain what he intended to do. He also arranged for someone to care for his dog and asked for contact information for a bail bond company before the event. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of 14 months in prison.
Kazmierczak had previously been convicted of auto theft in 1989 and had multiple arrests for driving under the influence. The court also learned that he had been struggling with alcohol abuse, mental health issues, and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2022. During the hearing, Kazmierczak said he had spent enough time in jail thinking about his actions. He apologized to Omar and said he was sorry for putting her through the attack.
He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, which includes a no-contact order with Omar. U.S. District Judge Ericksen said attacking a public official was not a political statement and said spraying anything at an elected official could cause fear. Omar was not injured and continued the town hall after Kazmierczak was arrested.
President Donald Trump suggested after the incident that the attack may have been staged. No evidence supported that claim. Federal investigators charged Kazmierczak within days and he later admitted under oath that he planned the assault.
Kazmierczak still faces a separate case in state court. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged him with felony terroristic threats and fifth-degree assault. County prosecutors said they plan to prosecute him when he becomes available to appear in Hennepin County District Court.
Omar, a Somali-American refugee who became a U.S. citizen, has often been targeted by anti-immigrant rhetoric during her time in Congress. Associated Press reporting noted that President Trump has repeatedly criticized Omar and has made statements about her birthplace and immigration background.
Federal officials described the attack as politically motivated violence. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said after Kazmierczak’s guilty plea that the case showed the danger of people turning political hatred into criminal acts. The FBI also described attacks on elected officials as political violence that threatens democratic activity.